State Senator Simcha Felder has written to the Chief of Enforcement at the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) in response to growing concerns from constituents about sanitation violation tickets issued to Shabbos-observant residents. Numerous residents across the district and throughout New York City have reported receiving fines for placing their trash at the curb before shkiah on Fridays.

In New York City, residents and businesses can be fined for setting out trash at the wrong time or in the wrong way. According to DSNY rules, trash must be placed out after 6:00 p.m. in a bin with a secure lid, or after 8:00 p.m. if placing bags directly on the curb. As the fall-winter season approaches and Shabbos begins earlier each week, Shomrei Shabbos with Saturday collection will be required to set their trash out earlier than DSNY’s mandated times.

Senator Felder is urging DSNY to stop enforcing sanitation violation tickets for Friday setout times in neighborhoods where trash is collected on Shabbos. He aims to protect the rights of New Yorkers to practice their religion without the fear of punitive measures.

Felder emphasized the importance of accommodating religious observance in city enforcement. “For many New Yorkers, placing trash out for collection before sunset on Fridays is not just a convenience, but an integral part of their religious practice. The city is well aware of this—it was made clear to the administration during the public comment period before the rule change,” Felder said.

“I know this city never met a ticket it didn’t like, but issuing fines under these circumstances shows a clear lack of understanding of Shabbos-observant communities. I urge DSNY to work with community leaders to find a solution that respects religious observances while maintaining public sanitation standards.”

{Matzav.com}