NYC Sanitation Unveils Painted Trucks from Zero-Waste Art Challenge

Five newly painted sanitation trucks were unveiled in Union Square, New York City, as part of the Trucks of Art program. The Sanitation Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the NYC Department of Sanitation, selected five artists from over 400 submissions to hand-paint 23-ton collection vehicles using unwanted household paints, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Designs focused on cleanliness, recycling, composting, and honoring DSNY workers. The selection committee included DSNY personnel, Sanitation Foundation staff, Nick Heller (NY Nico), and Andy Cohen. Deputy Mayor Julia Kerson stated the trucks will immediately serve the streets. The painted trucks are assigned to specific community districts: Thought Matter's truck serves Manhattan Community District 12; Allison Bouganim's truck serves Brooklyn Community District 10; Lauren Stewart's truck serves Queens Community District 10; Catherine Witherwax's truck serves Brooklyn Community District 1; and Marieke Perchik Bender's truck serves Queens Community District 1.