Cogent Insights: December 2025, Holiday Edition
- conor2327
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
The Cogent team would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the New York community! As the year draws to a close, we've taken a moment to reflect on the partnerships, people, and progress that continue to advance our goals.
In the final newsletter of 2025, we highlight how collaboration drives real sustainability outcomes—from a behind-the-scenes look at a zero-waste program at Staten Island University Hospital, to the dedicated team members who keep our operations running smoothly every day. Together with our customers and partners, we’re proud of the role we play in building smarter waste solutions and a cleaner New York City, and we wish you a happy, healthy holiday season as we look ahead to the new year.
Closing Out the Year Together
The Cogent Team would like to thank our customers, partners, and community for being part of our shared commitment to sustainability. Every route completed, every material properly separated, and every zero-waste initiative implemented helps move New York City toward a cleaner, more responsible future—and none of it happens without your collaboration.
From small businesses to large institutions, your dedication to smarter waste practices allows us to do what we do best: design solutions that reduce landfill impact, increase diversion, and support a more circular economy. As we enter the new year, we remain committed to building on this progress together. We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and look forward to continuing our work side by side in the year ahead.
A Scalable Zero-Waste Model for Healthcare Facilities
Northwell Health (Staten Island University Hospital) offers a clear example of how sustainability can be built into daily operations at scale. Inside the hospital’s 5,000-square-foot kitchen, where more than 2,000 meals are prepared each day, Cogent partnered with hospital leadership to implement a true zero-waste program that meets the demands of a complex healthcare environment.
A recent tour of the facility by Jay Gomez, Business Development Manager at Cogent Waste Solutions, made clear how well this partnership functions in practice.
Food scraps are separated at the cutting board, staff are fully engaged in the process, and organics are diverted before they ever reach the waste stream. Since launching the program, the hospital’s recycling diversion rate has increased from approximately 20% to nearly 40%.
To support the facility’s unique layout and workflow, Cogent designed custom compactors and containers that align with dock space and operational needs—demonstrating how tailored infrastructure and hands-on partnership drive real results. While not every operation looks like a major hospital kitchen, the same principles apply across facilities of all sizes: thoughtful design, clear processes, and solutions built specifically for the customer.
Brooklyn South CWZ: Less Than Two Weeks Away
The launch of the Commercial Waste Zones program in Brooklyn South is less than two weeks away. Beginning in January, businesses in the zone will be required to work with an authorized waste service provider. Cogent is proud to be approved to serve the area. With the transition happening imminently, now is the moment for local businesses to take action and finalize their waste service plans.
Brooklyn South includes neighborhoods such as Midwood, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay, Homecrest, and Brighton Beach. During the customer enrollment period—from January 1 through February 28, 2026—businesses in these communities must sign a new service agreement to remain compliant. Cogent’s team is ready to move quickly, helping customers assess their needs, meet city requirements, and ensure uninterrupted, reliable service as the new system goes into effect.
Meet the People Behind the Work
For nearly 20 years, Ruben Chico has been a steady presence at Cogent’s Staten Island operation. As a dispatcher, he plays a central role in keeping daily operations running smoothly, making sure routes go out on time, jobs are completed correctly, and any issues are addressed in a prompt manner. Whether coordinating teams from the office or heading out himself to ensure work is done right, Ruben guarantees that Cogent delivers the reliable service its partners expect.
Ruben’s long tenure also speaks to something deeper about Cogent: it’s a place where people are valued. He describes a culture built on mutual respect, one in which employees watch out for one another, do the right thing, and take pride in their work. From source-separating materials to managing a fleet of 20 trucks across day and night routes, Ruben and his colleagues bring care and accountability to every part of the operation. It’s this commitment, from the people on the ground, that makes Cogent both a trusted partner and a great place to work.
Stay Connected with Cogent
Want real-time updates on NYC waste regulations, recycling tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how we keep the city clean? Follow us on social media. We’re sharing helpful reminders, industry insights, and answers to your most common waste questions, all in your feed.
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