By Y.M. Lowy

An internal investigation has found that the MTA lost an estimated $800,000 over five years after failing to properly oversee a contract for recycling collection at transit facilities.

A report released by the MTA Office of the Inspector General showed that investigators visited 40 transit facilities and found widespread problems with how trash and recyclables were being handled. At 21 locations, MTA employees failed to separate recyclable materials, while at all 40 sites, the contracted waste hauler was seen loading both trash and recyclables into the same garbage truck.

The investigation also found that recycling collection dropped dramatically in recent years, with reported recycling volumes falling by nearly 80% since 2020. The MTA likely lost money through missed recycling credits and by paying to dispose of recyclable materials as regular trash.

The inspector general called the findings “troubling,” noting that recycling at MTA facilities is required by law and can provide financial benefits to the agency.

The MTA says it has already begun making changes, including improving employee training, increasing oversight of its waste contractor, and requiring more detailed electronic reporting under its next recycling contract.