NYC Sanitation Continues Fleet Greening, Uses Trucks to Increase Public Awareness

In its 2019 Strategic Plan Progress Report, the New York City Department of Sanitation noted that it continues to test alternative fuels and raise public awareness with the fleet.

Roselynne Reyes・Senior Editor

July 10, 2019

NYC Sanitation Continues Fleet Greening, Uses Trucks to Increase Public Awareness — The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) released the annual update to its Strategic Plan.
*Photo via Unsplash*

2 min to read

In its 2019 Strategic Plan Progress Report, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced it is working on developing a battery-electric mechanical broom and collection vehicle, and raising public awareness about its fleet safety efforts.

Over the past few years, DSNY has piloted several alternative-fuel technologies. The agency has been working with truck manufacturers to co-develop and test the possibility of a fully electric mechanical broom and collection vehicle, and expects to receive two of the first available prototypes in fiscal-year 2020.

Last fall, the agency completed structural rehabilitation at Pier 36 in order to enable progress on fuel tank replacement. In the last year, DSNY also transitioned to a cloud-based GPS system for improved reliability.

Trucks Used as Public Relations

A key to gaining public support is making sure residents are aware of the agency’s services. In September 2018, DSNY hosted a touch a truck event, giving the community the chance to interact with the fleet. The agency plans to host more touch a truck events in the future.

In February, DSNY announced “Trucks of Art,” a program that invited artists to use DSNY collection trucks as a canvas, creating art using paints that would otherwise be discarded or recycled. The painted trucks are expected to make their debut this summer.

DSNY continues to participate in Open House New York, and displayed fleet equipment at the New York Auto Show for the second time this year.

The report is based goals highlighted in the DSNY Strategic Plan, first issued in 2016. Read the full 2019 report here.

Topics:Refuse Fleets Customer Service Battery-Electric Vehicles New York City Operations

More Operations

Police•by Staff Writer•May 20, 2026

Maryland Natural Resources Police Adds 31-Foot Patrol Boat to Enforcement Fleet

A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.

Operations•May 20, 2026

John Deere Expands X-Tier Lineup with New 844 and 904 X-Tier Wheel Loaders

The new X-Tier machines bring together advanced electrified drivetrain technology, intelligent machine controls, and optional operator awareness features.

A blueprint with tool graphics and text about technicians.

Operations•by Nichole Osinski•May 14, 2026

The Technician Pipeline: Finding, Keeping, and Promoting Techs Within the Operation.

At look at where to find good talent, what fleets are doing to incentivize those techs to stay within the fleet, and what promotion looks like for a technician within the public sector.

Operations•by News/Media Release•May 13, 2026

Public Sector Leaders Partner with Samsara to Advance Real-World AI Innovation

Samsara introduced three AI-powered public sector solutions focused on road condition monitoring, waste service verification, and student ridership management for government agencies and school districts.

Cover of a whitepaper titled “The Hidden Costs of Departmentally Assigned Vehicles on Your Fleet” featuring a black fleet vehicle driving on a road at sunset. Subheadline reads: “Discover how your fleet can reduce costs and minimize risk by implementing vehicle sharing.” The document focuses on fleet optimization, vehicle sharing, cost reduction, utilization tracking, and risk management for fleet operations.

The Fleet Efficiency Gap: Where Budgets, Utilization & Risk Collide

Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This whitepaper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.

Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding

Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.