Legal News

‍

New York City is undergoing a significant transformation in its waste management practices. With mandatory composting on the horizon for the entire city, it's essential for businesses and residents to be prepared and informed.

Food waste that lands in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By separating and composting this waste, NYC is aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, composting enriches the soil, enhancing food growth and capturing more CO2. This effort stems from the Zero Waste Act, which aims to reduce the city's waste and environmental impact.
‍

Rollout Schedule:

‍Already Implemented:

• Queens

Upcoming:

• Brooklyn - Oct. 2, 2023
• The Bronx and Staten Island - March 2024
• Manhattan - October 2024

Accepted Materials:

• All food; and
• Items that grow in the soil (e.g., fruits, vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, bread,
  pasta, rice, meat, bones, dairy, greasy paper plates, pizza boxes, leaf, and yard waste).

Exclusions:‍‍‍

• ‍‍No recyclables like metal, glass, plastic, clean paper; and
• Other non-compostable trash items (e.g., wrappers, diapers, pet and medical waste).

Participation:
While the program will become mandatory, initial non-participation will not incur penalties. But,
starting Spring 2025, fines ranging from $25 to $100 will be in place for non-compliance.

‍

‍
This is not legal advice and is attorney advertising

‍