Heavy Fines Begin Tuesday for Not Composting in New York City: What You Need to Know

Overview of NYC’s Mandatory Composting Law

• Single-family homes
• Multi-family residences
• Apartment buildings, co-ops, condos
• Landlords, property managers, tenants
• Fruit and vegetable peels
• Bread, pasta, grains
• Meat, bones, dairy
• Leftovers, expired packaged food (remove packaging first)
• Eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea bags (without staples)
• Cooked food scraps and takeout leftovers (if not plastic-wrapped)
• Leaves, twigs, branches
• Grass clippings, plant trimmings
• Holiday wreaths and pine cones (natural only, no plastic or glitter)
• Dead houseplants, potting soil, weeds (no synthetic fertilizer)
• Bagged autumn leaves in paper lawn bags or labeled bins
• Used napkins and paper towels
• Pizza boxes, greasy paper plates
• 1st Offense: $25
• 2nd Offense: $50
• 3rd+ Offense: $100
• 1st Offense: $100
• 2nd Offense: $200
• 3rd+ Offense: $300
• Use DSNY-approved bins with secure lids
• Use compostable liners, paper bags, or no liner at all
• Set out after 6 PM the night before collection
• Collection is on the same day as recycling
• Provide and maintain bins for tenants
• Ensure bins are labeled and in accessible areas
• Educate residents and monitor compliance
• Random inspections by DSNY agents
• Monitoring bin contents and proper labeling
• Reports through NYC 311
• Call 311 or use the NYC 311 app
• Visit nyc.gov/organics
• Reduces methane emissions from landfills
• Creates nutrient-rich compost for green spaces
• Supports renewable energy via anaerobic digestion
• NYC Organics Official Page
• Download NYC Compost Checklist (PDF)
• Free workshops and multilingual support from DSNY
• Throwing compost in black trash bags
• Using bins without lids
• Missing set-out times
• Placing plastics or glass in the compost bin
• [ ] I have a DSNY-approved compost bin
• [ ] I separate food, yard, and paper waste properly
• [ ] I set out the bin at the correct time
• [ ] I educate other household members
• Do I have to compost if I live in a small building? Yes, all residential properties must comply.
• Can I get fined if a neighbor messes up the bin? Property owners are responsible for ensuring proper use.
• What if my building doesn’t provide a bin? Call 311 or notify your landlord to request one from DSNY.