Mandatory composting in NYC per the Zero Waste Act goes into effect this Sunday, Oct. 6 2024, throughout all five boroughs. Pick-up is once a week on your designated recycling day.

Frequently asked questions: What you need to know about mandatory composting in NYC

What is compost?

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes eventually; composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do their work. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is called compost. Fondly referred to by farmers as “black gold,” compost is rich in nutrients and can be used for gardening, horticulture, and agriculture.

Organic discards can be processed in industrial-scale composting facilities, in smaller-scale community composting systems, and in anaerobic digesters, among other options. This guide focuses primarily on home composting, which is a great way to keep your organic discards out of the waste stream and produce a valuable soil amendment for your own use.

Who has to compost?

Homeowners across the five boroughs, including single-family homes and buildings with one to eight units, will need to participate in the compost program starting Oct. 6, to comply with the city’s Zero Waste Act, which was passed last year. Property owners of buildings with nine or more units are required to participate, too.

Residential Buildings with 10+ Units: NYC is also advancing a plan to containerize trash in larger residential buildings.Buildings with 31 or more residential units will be required to use stationary, on-street containers for their trash, serviced by DSNY's new automated side-loading garbage trucks. On-street containers will be assigned to a specific building, solely for residents of that building. Buildings with 10 to 30 units will be able to choose between stationary on-street containers and smaller wheelie bins. The first district with these containers will be Manhattan Community Board 9, beginning Spring 2025, with further expansion pending environmental review.

What goes into a composting bin?

The city composting program is designed for residential food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings. It is not intended for materials that fall outside of these categories, DSNY officials said.

What DOES NOT go into compost?

DSNY is telling New Yorkers not to compost diapers, personal hygiene products, animal waste, wrappers, non-paper packaging and foam products.

Is there a fine for not participating?

Yes. Residents will be subject to fines starting in the spring of 2025. Fines start at $25 for the first offense.

Collection Laws for Residents

Residential property owners are responsible for making sure all waste for their building – including trash, recycling, and composting (food scraps and yard waste) – is set out correctly for collection.

Fines may be issued for each violation, and the amount may increase with each additional violation issued within a 12-month period.

Setout

Place waste out after 6:00 PM in a bin of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or after 8:00 PM, if putting bags directly on the curb.

If you set your waste out incorrectly or at the wrong time, or on the wrong days, you may be fined.

Bins

You must use bins that are in relatively good condition to set out your waste. Bins must be 55 gallons or less with a secure lid.

Make sure you have enough bins to contain all your waste. Do not overload your bin – you must be able to securely close the lid.

If you use a bin that is broken or if waste spills out of your container, you may be fined.

Do not use cardboard boxes as bins to set out paper/cardboard for recycling. Recycling bins must be clearly labeled, and recycling may only be set out in CLEAR bags. You may be fined if you do not set out your recycling correctly.

Separation

ALL NYC residents and businesses are required to recycle.

If you do not separate your recyclables and composting from trash, or if you do not properly separate and set out recyclables correctly, you may receive a fine.

Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Cartons

Metal, glass jars and bottles, rigid plastics, and cartons must be separated from household trash and set out together in labeled containers with secure lids or in clear plastic bags.

Mixed Paper and Cardboard

Mixed paper and cardboard must be separated from household trash and set out together in labeled bins with a secure lids or clear plastic bags. Cardboard can also be bundled (flattened and tied with twine) and set out next to bins or bags. DO NOT use cardboard boxes as bins

Leaf and Yard Waste and Food Scraps

If you have Curbside Composting service, leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper should be set out at the curb inside a labeled bin (55 gallons or less) with a secure lid or in your DSNY brown compost bin.

Extra leaf and yard waste can be put in a paper lawn and leaf bag or clear plastic bag. Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine and placed next to bins and bags.

In Brooklyn and Queens, leaf and yard waste separation from trash is now MANDATORY.

Leaf and yard waste, food waste, and food-soiled paper separation from trash will be mandatory CITYWIDE and all NYC residents will be subject to fines starting Spring 2025.

Improper Disposal

Mattresses and Box Springs

Any mattresses or box spring set out for collection must be fully contained within a clear plastic bag and the bag must be securely sealed to prevent the spread of bed bugs.

You may be fined if you do not set out mattresses and box springs correctly.

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