Section 16-304. Department-disposed of solid waste

The commissioner shall
  within nine months of the effective date of this chapter  establish  and
  implement  programs  to ensure that the amount of department-disposed of
  solid waste is reduced or recycled by at least:
    a. one thousand four hundred thirty tons per day by  the  end  of  the
  first  year  following the enactment date of this chapter and during the
  year thereafter;
    b. two thousand eight hundred seventy tons per day by the end  of  the
  second  year following the enactment date of this chapter and during the
  year thereafter;
    c. four thousand three hundred tons per day by the end  of  the  third
  year  following  the  enactment date of this chapter and during the year
  thereafter;
    d. five thousand seven hundred forty tons per day by the  end  of  the
  fourth  year following the enactment date of this chapter and during the
  year thereafter; and
    e. seven thousand one hundred eighty tons per day by the  end  of  the
  fifth  year  following the enactment date of this chapter and during the
  year thereafter.
    These  programs  may  be  designed  to  increase  private  sector   or
  residential   recycling,   to  increase  the  return  and  recycling  of
  containers under  the  New  York  State  returnable  container  law,  to
  implement  waste reduction or reuse measures, or to export waste for the
  purpose of recycling. The waste reduction and recycling requirements  of
  this section shall include all the solid waste that is recycled pursuant
  to  the  recycling  requirements  of section 16-305 of this chapter, but
  shall not include the reduction or recycling  of  ash  or  residue  from
  resource  recovery  facilities, or the reduction or recycling of sludges
  from air or water treatment facilities. For the purpose of this section,
  "day" shall mean each working day in  a  three  hundred  sixty-five  day
  calendar  year.  Should  the  level  of  recycling  exceed  the  minimum
  quantities required in this section, the council may review the original
  mandate and increase the minimum requirements.