The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced a revival of its art program, “Trucks of Art,” which offers New York artists the opportunity to creatively paint a garbage collection truck.

 

“Trucks of Art” is open to all artists – professional, amateur and aspiring. Priority will be given to proposals that encourage New Yorkers to use litter baskets and recycling, or those that honor DSNY’s essential workers. To promote sustainability, artists are challenged with using paints that would otherwise be discarded or recycled.

 

Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said DSNY’s fleet is part of the cityscape. “We’re thrilled for New York City artists to transform collection trucks into roving works of art that will add a bit of flair to our neighborhoods.” She added, “We’re excited for local artists to be using our ‘canvasses’ to encourage New Yorkers to keep our City clean.”

 

Those interested in applying should email a brief description of their idea with design mock-ups and why they’d like to be selected, along with contact information and a short biography to TrashTalk@dsny.nyc.gov. Full details of the “Trucks of Art” project, including full submission information is available under the section entitled, “Request for Expressions of Interest” at http://nyc.gov/truckart.

 

All submissions must be emailed by Sunday, Sept. 18, at 11:59 p.m. The department will choose finalists and provide paint, and will also provide access to the trucks for painting in late September and early October.

 

Non-artistic New Yorkers can also get involved. The department is asking residents to support this initiative by dropping off their unwanted paints (cans, sprays, tubes) at an upcoming SAFE disposal event or at the department’s special waste drop-off locations. Artists can select the paints they’ll need, and the rest will be recycled or properly disposed.

 

This is DSNY’s second “Trucks of Art” program. Learn more about the 2019 Trucks of Art program by clicking on the link, and view photos of the painted trucks under the Request for Expressions of Interest section.

 

DSNY officials say the City’s sanitation department keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders.

 

They say DSNY workers clear litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets. Officials say the department also runs a portfolio of programs and facilities to help New Yorkers more sustainably manage waste.

 

Check out our previous story on whether the City’s new waste management plans will help resolve trash overload.