Mandatory Compost Disposal Rules

Starting April 1, compost fines have officially gone into effect across New York City, marking a major step in the city’s environmental strategy. Residents must now separate food scraps, yard waste, and other compostable items from regular trash. The new policy applies to all buildings with four or more apartments, with fines ranging from $25 to $400 depending on the violation and building size.

This initiative is part of NYC’s broader effort to divert waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Composting food waste, leaves, and certified compostable materials supports cleaner waste streams and contributes to creating nutrient-rich soil that can be reused locally. The Department of Sanitation has already distributed over 30,000 warnings since the program began and continues to provide guidance and bins to encourage compliance.

By enforcing these composting requirements, the city hopes to shift resident behavior toward more sustainable waste practices, ultimately turning organic waste into a valuable resource instead of letting it contribute to landfill overflow.