New York’s new composting law starts on April 1: What you need to know

Starting April 1, 2025, New York City residents must comply with a new composting law that mandates the separation of organic waste from regular trash. The New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will begin enforcing this law and imposing fines for non-compliance.

This new regulation is part of the city’s efforts to improve urban hygiene and reduce environmental impact.

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New York’s mandatory composting law: What’s changing?

Starting April 1st, 2025, New York City is set to start a new regulation that requires residents to manage their waste more thoughtfully. They must separate organic waste like food scraps and yard waste from other kinds of trash.

This is part of the Department of Sanitation (DSNY)'s broader initiative to improve the city's recycling and composting practices.

How will the composting law work?

Property owners and managers must adhere to these guidelines to avoid penalties. Below are the key points to remember regarding the new composting rules:

• Separation of Organic Waste: All organic waste, including food scraps, fruit peels, compostable products, and gardening materials, must be separated from regular trash.
• Designated Composting Area: Buildings with four or more units are required to have a designated composting area for organic waste.
• Container Requirements: Containers used for composting must have a secure lid and be no larger than 55 gallons.
• Container Labeling: Property owners can use any suitable container for composting, but it must be labeled with a free DSNY-provided sticker.

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Fines for non-compliance to New York's composting law: What to expect?

Whoever does not comply with the new composting law, will now be facing these penalties:

Buildings with 1 to 8 units:

• First violation: $25
• Second violation: $50
• Third and subsequent violations: $100

Buildings with 9 or more units:

• First violation: $100
• Second violation: $200
• Third and subsequent violations: $300