The Hidden Alleys of New York: Tiny Trucks Keep Forest Hills Clean

In a city known for its grid, the alleys of Forest Hills Gardens offer a rare glimpse of urban privacy and community.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a small garbage truck repeated multiple times in a tight grid pattern, capturing the unique and iconic imagery of the vehicles that service the hidden alleys of Forest Hills Gardens.The tiny garbage trucks that service the hidden alleys of Forest Hills Gardens have become an iconic part of the community's daily life.NYC Today

New York City's sanitation system is known for its curbside chaos, but in the quiet alleys of Forest Hills Gardens, Queens, a unique trash collection system thrives. Small trucks navigate narrow passages to whisk away garbage, hidden from the main streets. This quirky system fosters a sense of community, with residents building routines and relationships around the alley service. However, the future of these alleys remains uncertain as the city grapples with the challenges and benefits of this unconventional approach to urban waste management.

Why it matters

The alleys of Forest Hills Gardens offer a fascinating case study in how urban design can shape human interaction and community. In a city known for its anonymity, these hidden passages foster a sense of privacy and neighborliness that is rare in New York. The debate over the future of this alleyway service also highlights the broader tensions between efficiency, tradition, and the human element of city planning.

The details

Unlike the typical curbside trash collection in New York, the alleys of Forest Hills Gardens are serviced by a fleet of just 65 small trucks that can navigate the narrow passages. This system, which feels almost European in its discretion, has become an integral part of the community's daily life. Residents like Matt Iannuzzi and Max Nevins have built their routines around the alley trucks, knowing when to avoid parking in the back and accommodating the occasional scrape of a truck against a tree branch. For some, like real estate broker Rachel Borut, the alley service is a source of gratitude, a unique aspect of their neighborhood that fosters a sense of shared experience.

  • The alleyway trash collection system in Forest Hills Gardens has been in place for decades.
  • In 2019, residents in Bay Ridge fought to keep their alley service in a lawsuit against the city.

The players

Matt Iannuzzi

A resident of Forest Hills Gardens who has built his routine around the alley trash collection service.

Max Nevins

A resident of Forest Hills Gardens who has grown accustomed to the alley trash collection system.

Rachel Borut

A real estate broker in Forest Hills Gardens who appreciates the unique alley trash collection service.

Joshua Goodman

A spokesperson for the New York City sanitation department, who suggests that residents may want to opt out of the alley service.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Alleyway service isn't going mainstream. In fact, he suggests residents might want to opt out.”

— Joshua Goodman, Sanitation department spokesperson

What’s next

The future of the alleyway trash collection system in Forest Hills Gardens remains uncertain, as the city grapples with the challenges and benefits of this unconventional approach. The 2019 lawsuit in Bay Ridge highlights the community's desire to preserve this unique service, but the sanitation department's reluctance to expand it suggests that the alleys may be a dying tradition.

The takeaway

The alleys of Forest Hills Gardens offer a glimpse into how urban design can shape community and human interaction. This quirky trash collection system, which fosters a sense of privacy and neighborliness, serves as a reminder that city planning is not just about infrastructure, but also about the people who inhabit these spaces. As cities evolve, the fate of these alleys will continue to be a symbol of the tension between efficiency and the human element of urban life.