Heads up, New York! The city cracks down with $300 fines starting April 1 for this activity
The 'Big Apple' implements a new rule where food waste must be separated from trash. Those who don't comply will face fines starting at $25.
Starting April 1, 2025, New York City will enforce strict environmental regulations affecting all residents. The initiative aims to reduce the city's ecological impact by implementing new waste management rules across various areas.
Fines for non-compliance with these new regulations could reach up to $300, depending on the type of property. Authorities also revealed that a transition period was in place, during which 27,000 warnings were issued before fines were applied, giving residents time to adjust to the changes.
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Which is the activity where fines will be implemented in New York?
Starting April 1, all food scraps, food-soiled paper, and garden waste must be separated from regular trash and sent for composting in New York City. Although the new rules were approved last November, their enforcement will begin next week.
Buildings with 1 to 8 units will face fines from $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second one, and up to $100 for the third and subsequent offenses. However, in buildings with 9 and more units, the third offense and subsequent will be up to $300.
According to NBC New York, only a small fraction of New Yorkers are complying with the rule. Public data shows less than 5% of the city's household organic waste is currently being diverted from landfills.
What can be composted and separated?
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) establish that food scarps and food-soiled paper should be set aside in compost bins instead of trash bags.
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Bones
- Dairy
- Prepared food
- Napkins
- Towels
- Tea bags
- Paper plates
- Coffee filters
- Pizza boxes (clean boxes should be recycled)
- Products labeled compostable
In addition, the DSNY establish the food, leaf, and yard waste can also be compostable. However, the agency says food waste should only be mixed with leaf and yard waste when using a bin with a secure lid.
How to prepare the compost, according to DSNY?
All compostable materials must be placed in a labeled bin with a secure lid or a brown DSNY bin. The bins should be lined with a bag and cannot exceed 55 gallons in size, according to DSNY guidelines. Any additional leaf or yard waste can be placed in a paper or clear plastic bag.
Food and yard waste can only be mixed if stored in a bin with a lid.
Compost will be collected weekly, on the same day as recycling. Property owners should place their compost out the evening before collection day, after 6 p.m. if using a lid, or after 8 p.m. if using bags.