Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Kim Serafin (718)788-8479
"Today the City of New York is extending a well-deserved salute to the best Sanitation Department anywhere," said Mayor Giuliani. "By adding 'Avenue of the Strongest' to the section of Worth Street that passes in front of the department headquarters, we're telling the world that if sanitation skills were and Olympic Event, our Sanitation workers would win the Gold." The Mayor also said, "Our sanitation workers are the pride of New York. Today, for all time, our pride in 'New York's Strongest' is on display for all to see."
"This is a great way to show the gratitude New Yorkers have for the efforts of the sanitation workers," Commissioner Doherty said. "The appreciation that New Yorkers feel for the Department of Sanitation is made tangible with this street re-naming. On behalf of the members of the Department who are being honored, I would like to thank everyone for recognizing the efforts of sanitation workers not only in emergencies, but for the 364 days that go unnoticed."
During the Winter of '96, the Department acted swiftly and effectively to rid the City of the seven and a half feet of snow that covered streets. Many employees worked 12 hour shifts for two weeks. After plowing and hauling the snow off City streets, the Department had to collect and dispose of 120,000 tons of garbage and recycling that had accumulated.
The Department of Sanitation collects and disposes of 13,000 tons of garbage each day. Approximately 2,100 tons of garbage is recycled and 4,200 miles of streets are swept each day. The Department is also responsible for cleaning 70 vacant lots a day and removing derelict cars from City streets.