NYC's Big Compost Rollout: What You Need to Know

NYC Goes Citywide with Curbside Compost Collection This Weekend

Starting Sunday, October 6th, New Yorkers in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island can finally join Queens and Brooklyn in the city's curbside composting program. This expansion means a citywide effort to fight rats and help the planet by diverting organic waste from landfills.

"Curbside composting fights rats and helps the planet. It's a win-win – especially when it's easier than ever," said Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

What's Compostable?

Compost is essentially recycling for food scraps, yard waste, and biodegradable paper. Think coffee grounds, pizza crusts, chicken bones, apple cores, grass clippings, and even soiled napkins.

However, personal hygiene products, diapers, animal waste, wrappers, non-paper packaging, and foam products are not compostable.

Why Compost?

Curbside composting significantly reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills. Food alone is the most common material in landfills, and composting can help reduce the environmental impact.

Composting also helps reduce methane emissions from landfills and supports the city's ongoing anti-rat efforts by limiting food sources for rodents and other pests.

What Does This Mean for You?

Separate compostable materials from other waste in a designated 55-gallon bin. You can line the bin with plastic or compostable bags. Free bins are available until October 28th, or you can use your own bin (under 55 gallons) with a secure lid and a free sticker from DSNY.

Landlords must provide pre-collection bins for compostable materials in buildings with more than 4 units.

Composting is mandatory starting in April 2025, with fines for non-compliance.

Want more information? Visit the DSNY website for details on how to participate and what materials are accepted.