New York City launched mandatory curbside composting across all five boroughs, requiring residents to separate food scraps and yard waste from regular trash.
This initiative aims to promote sustainability and responsible waste management, with potential fines for noncompliance ranging from $25 to $100.
Starting Oct. 6, curbside composting will be available in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, following its earlier rollout in Queens and Brooklyn.
As part of the program, city residents are encouraged to place their food waste, yard waste and food-soiled paper in a brown Department of Sanitation bin or any secure container of 55 gallons or less on their designated recycling day.
The DSNY will collect the compost for beneficial use, rather than sending it to landfills.
According to the Department of Sanitation, compostable materials include meat, bones, dairy and uncoated greasy paper plates. Alternatively, items like animal waste and personal hygiene products cannot be composted.
For residents living in high-rise buildings, property managers are expected to develop specific plans for collecting and managing compost. To assist with this transition, the city will host virtual information sessions for residents and building managers.
The environmental benefits of composting are significant, helping to reduce methane emissions from landfills, thus playing a role in the fight against climate change.
It also addresses urban issues such as rat and rodent populations, improving the overall quality of life and aesthetics throughout the city.
DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the program’s importance.
“Curbside composting programs have existed in the city for over a decade, but none have ever served more than 40 percent of New Yorkers – until now,” she said.
“This administration has achieved the long-standing goal of bringing composting to every corner of the five boroughs, not as a niche program, but as a free, universal, easy-to-use service.”
Residents will be given a warning period until April 2025 to adjust to these new composting requirements and learn about what materials are acceptable for composting. Starting April 2025, all NYC residents will be subject to fines ranging from $25 to $100.
This adjustment period is intended to help the community engage effectively with the new system.
For information on curbside composting across all five boroughs, the NYC Department of Sanitation will be hosting Teams meetings through Dec. 12.
They will also be hosting building management sessions geared toward property managers, owners, superintendents and board members along with sessions informing the public about food scraps and plant waste drop-offs.
Curbside Composting service will be available to all NYC residents year-round, with collections taking place on weekly recycling days.
