New York City has appointed 31-year Sanitation Department veteran Dennis Diggins to the newly created position of deputy commissioner for solid waste management.

Deputy Commissioner Diggins, a four-star chief, will be responsible for the oversight of the construction and construction management of four converted marine transfer stations, according to a news release. He also will be in charge of the environmental review, development and implementation of municipal solid waste (MSW) programs according to the city’s Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) and the development of SWMP’s long-term waste export facilities and contracts.

Most recently Diggins has been director of the former Bureau of Waste Disposal, where he was responsible for the disposal of all MSW and recyclables handled by the Sanitation Department.

He will continue to manage the operations of the department’s land and marine transfer stations, administer Sanitation contracts for the disposal of MSW and recyclables, and oversee the closure, post-closure care and end-use development of the Fresh Kills Landfill.

“I am pleased to appoint Dennis Diggins to his new position of deputy commissioner. Dennis is the consummate and proven professional whose dedication to this department is unparalleled,” said Commissioner John Doherty.