Photo: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images News / Getty Images
New York City is digging out from a historic blizzard that dropped nearly two feet of snow across the five boroughs, and the city has suspended alternate-side parking rules and delayed trash, recycling, and compost collection as crews work to clear the streets.
According to NY1, alternate-side parking remains suspended through Sunday, March 1st to help snow removal crews do their work. But don't ditch the quarters just yet — parking meters are still in effect, even if many of them are buried under snowdrifts.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is urging property owners to clear four-foot-wide paths on sidewalks to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. New Yorkers who want emergency updates can sign up by texting "notify-nyc" to 692-692.
Department of Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan spoke with PIX11 News during the storm Monday, asking residents to hold their recyclables while the department focuses on clearing snow.
"There will be some delays. If you have scheduled recycling, we are asking everybody to hold it if possible. Once we resume collection, we will prioritize the trash and the compost… we hope to get back on track soon," Lojan said.
The Department of Sanitation says residents should place trash and compost curbside on their regular collection day and leave items out until they are picked up. If a pickup is missed, bags and bins can stay at the curb — just clear away any snow covering them so crews can get to them.
The cleanup effort is also disrupting mass transit across the city, with subway delays and modifications citywide, buses running a winter weather schedule, and the Long Island Rail Road operating with limited service. Commuters are urged to check real-time updates before heading out and to allow extra travel time.
Warming centers remain open across the city as cold temperatures linger. City officials are encouraging anyone who needs relief from the cold to visit a designated warming center location.
Delays in trash and recycling collection are expected to continue through at least Saturday.
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