The Department of Sanitation in New York City is declaring a victory in the ongoing battle against rats. The progress is being reported just ahead of the official implementation of a new rule requiring businesses to utilize trash containers instead of leaving bags on the streets. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the persistent rat issue in the city. The department highlights the positive impact of using trash containers, citing a 68% decrease in rat sightings in a 10-block pilot program area in Hamilton Heights.
The success of the pilot program is seen as a promising sign for the effectiveness of the upcoming citywide rule. Rat sightings in other designated “rat mitigation zones” have also decreased by 16%, contributing to an overall citywide reduction of 6%. The Department of Sanitation sees this as an initial victory, emphasizing that more progress is anticipated in the ongoing fight against the rodent population in New York City.
As part of the broader strategy to combat rat infestations, the new rule requiring businesses to use trash containers is set to take effect across the entire city in March. By mandating the containment of trash in proper containers, the city aims to disrupt the current habits of rats accessing loose bags of garbage on the streets. This proactive approach aligns with the city’s commitment to creating a cleaner and safer urban environment while addressing a longstanding challenge that has been particularly prevalent in certain neighborhoods.