Starting April 1, 2025, the New York City Department of Sanitation (“DSNY”) will begin issuing fines to owners who fail to properly separate trash, recyclables and compostable material.
What is “compostable” material?
Compostable material includes leaf and yard waste such as flowers or Christmas trees, food scraps such as meat, bones or shells, prepared or cooked foods, food-soiled paper products like greasy pizza boxes and other products specifically labeled or certified as compostable.
What is not “compostable” material?
Trash and recyclables are not considered compostable material. This includes, but is not limited to, metal, glass, plastic, cardboard, pet waste, medical waste and hygiene products.
How do you prepare compostable material for curbside pickup?
Compostable material can be left out for curbside pickup on the applicable date and time for each neighborhood. Compostable material can be placed either in a DSNY brown bin, any other bin no greater than 55 gallons with a secure lid, paper leaf bag or clear plastic bag (for leaf and other yard waste), and sticks or tree pieces can be bundled together with twine. The pickup schedule for a specific building can be found here: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/forms/collection-schedule
How much are the fines?
The amount of each fine will vary based upon the number of units in the building and how many offenses have occurred, as follows:
Buildings with 1 to 8 units
- $25 for the first offense
- $50 for the second offense
- $100 for the third and subsequent offenses
Buildings with 9 or more units
- $100 for the first offense
- $200 for the second offense
- $300 for the third and subsequent offenses
Please contact your BBG attorney of record to address any questions you may have.
This news blast was written by Logan O’Connor, a Partner in the Administrative Law Department. Ms. O’Connor is available by email at loconnor@bbgllp.com or by phone at (212) 867-4466 ext. 365.
