On Thursday, the New York City Council took major steps to improve recycling and air quality in the five boroughs.

The new legislation will create 700 new public recycling bins in the five boroughs.The comprehensive recycling legislation concerned the 20-year-old current recycling law. The new legislation expands plastic recycling to all rigid plastic containers, increases recycling in public spaces, schools, and city agencies, and creates new ways to dispose of household hazardous wastes and paint.  This legislation will encourage recycling and decrease the waste stream, a victory for solid waste management in New York City. 

The second legislation will reduce the sulfur content by half in No.4 heating oil in the city and require all heating oil in New York City to contain 2% biodiesel fuel by October 1, 2012.  This legislation puts New York City on track to have the highest air quality of any large city in the United States by 2030, an important PlaNYC goal.  The passage of this legislation will reduce air pollution, create green jobs, and improve the health of New Yorkers, without significantly increasing the cost to consumers.  It will make all New Yorkers breathe a little easier.