New York City is taking significant strides toward environmental sustainability with the introduction of mandatory composting. Beginning the week of October 6, 2024, residents across all five boroughs will be required to compost food scraps and yard waste, a move aimed at reducing waste and improving the city’s overall cleanliness.
Get Your Free Compost Bin
To facilitate this transition, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is offering free compost bins to residents of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These brown bins, designed specifically for composting, can be ordered online at no cost until October 28, 2024.
Brooklyn and Queens residents who missed the initial free bin distribution can now purchase additional or replacement bins if needed. This initiative aims to prepare all New Yorkers for the citywide mandatory composting program.
“Curbside composting fights rats and helps the planet. It’s a win-win – especially when it’s easier than ever – and residents of the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island can order free compost bins now,” said Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “Mayor Adams promised to bring this program to all five boroughs, and this October, that promise will be fulfilled.”
What Can You Compost?
Composting involves separating biodegradable materials from your regular trash. Items that can be composted include:
- Food scraps like apple cores, eggshells, and vegetable peels
- Yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings
- Food-soiled paper products like pizza boxes and napkins
These materials should be placed in your composting bin and set out for collection on your designated recycling day. The DSNY will collect these compostable items, which will then be processed into renewable energy or compost for landscaping use.
Important Deadlines and Regulations
Homeowners who fail to separate their compostable waste will face fines. After a grace period, starting in spring 2025, the city will issue summonses to non-compliant residents.
Additionally, starting November 12, 2024, NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced new trash requirements for residential buildings with one to nine units. Trash must be contained in secure bins of 55 gallons or less. Single-family homes and small residential buildings must also use the official NYC Bin by June 2026. Pricing details and purchasing information for the NYC Bin are available online at nyc.gov/sanitation or by calling 855-NYC-BINS.
The mandatory composting program represents a major step forward in NYC’s environmental efforts, offering residents a practical way to contribute to a cleaner and greener city. By obtaining your free compost bin and adhering to the new regulations, you’ll play a vital role in making this initiative a success. For more information on how to get your compost bin and details on upcoming trash requirements, visit the DSNY website or contact their office directly.
Photo credits: @nycsanitation