Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
It Costs NYC $1.8 Million To Remove An Inch Of Snow
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jan 29, 2015
Modified Jan 29, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Noel Y. C./flickr
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jan 29, 2015
Modified Jan 29, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
It costs a lot of money to ensure that the streets and roadways are cleared of snow in time for you to wake up and bitch about going to work in the snow. A new study [PDF] from the comptroller's office reveals, in fact, that just one inch of snow removal costs roughly $1.8 million.
While the amount of snow that falls obviously fluctuates from year to year, the most cost-effective seasons aren't necessarily the driest. Predicted heavy snowfall (ahem) necessitates extra preparation, even when the forecasted weather doesn't come to fruition. "For example, a snow forecast may prompt pre‐salting and the mobilization of DSNY ice and snow removal crews and equipment, but the anticipated snowfall may not actually materialize," the report explains. The most fiscally-sound winters are, in fact, the ones with a moderate amount of snow.
Despite this, there are other explanations for the high cost of snow removal. True to form, the Post suspects an overtime conspiracy on the part of private plow operators.
“We all assume this was an overtime scam that was happening everywhere [in the city]," one Upper East Side resident told the tabloid. "The guys had to actually plow to get the overtime, even though there was no snow, because that’s what the OT was authorized for. It was getting me incensed last night. This is insanity. Obviously they were running up the bill." Obviously.
Tagged
department of sanitation
scott stringer
snow
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .