Addabbo bill to require hard lids or sturdy coverings on trains carrying waste passes full Senate

Legislation sponsored by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. to require hard lids or sturdy tarping on top of “trash trains” has been approved by the State Senate.

“For years now, many of my constituents have complained of terrible odors and spilled garbage from trains carrying waste through their communities,” said Addabbo. “When trains loaded down with waste sit for a long time on the tracks at transfer stations, it has negative ramifications for the public health, our environment and local property values. My bill would help to address these issues by requiring that trash being transported by rail be contained more completely and effectively.”

Under the legislation (S.2490), trains carrying putrescible waste – or trash which is subject to decay – would be covered with hard, sealing lids before exiting their transfer stations. Non-putrescible waste would be covered with hard tarping.

“While transporting waste by rail may be environmentally and economically preferable to using fleets of trucks, the practice certainly has its drawbacks,” said Addabbo. “However, I believe that ‘putting a lid on it’ will help to reduce the negative impacts of hauling trash by train. We should be able to cut down on pollution without subjecting railway neighbors to unpleasant odors and other unfortunate side effects.”

Having passed the Senate, the legislation is now under review by the Assembly.