Audit of Department of Streets and Sanitation Garbage Collection Performance

Executive Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s (DSS) ability to measure performance of and exercise quality control over garbage collection operations.

This audit comes at a time of significant operational changes for City garbage service. In April 2013, DSS completed its transition from a ward- to grid-based garbage collection system which, according to DSS management, increased the efficiency of garbage collection operations. These efficiencies include a reduction in the daily average number of garbage trucks required for garbage collection and the corresponding reductions in fuel, maintenance, and repair costs. Finally, in March 2014 DSS introduced Order 14-001, which formalized employee management control protocols. DSS also has stated its intention to further improve grid system collection by adjusting grid boundaries and routes in spring 2015.

The objectives of this audit were to determine if DSS,

1. achieved its stated goal of “balanc[ing] refuse collection resources and geography to ensure maximum utilization of resources;” and
2. ensured effective supervision and quality control over garbage collection operations.