Composting is Mandatory—Avoid a Fine!

ALL NYC residents are currently required to separate yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper from trash and recycling. Starting April 1, 2025, property owners will be subject to fines.

Curbside Composting service is free and collected weekly in every borough on the same day as recycling.

Help your residents find their recycling day at on.nyc.gov/CollectionDay.

What to Compost

ALL leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. This includes:

ALL leaf and yard waste, including flowers and Christmas trees
ALL food scraps, including meat, bones, shells, and dairy
Prepared and cooked foods
Greasy uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes
Products certified or labeled compostable
DO NOT compost trash such as diapers, personal hygiene products, animal waste, wrappers, non-paper packaging, and foam products.

DO NOT compost recyclable materials. Learn more about what to recycle.

How to Compost

Set out your leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper in a labeled bin with a secure lid or in your DSNY brown bin.

Bins must be 55 gallons or less with a secure lid. Line with a clear plastic, paper, or compostable bag to help keep it clean. No black trash bags.
Extra leaf and yard waste can be put in a paper lawn and leaf bag or clear plastic bag and placed out next to the bin. Do not put any food waste or food-soiled paper into bags of yard waste. No black trash bags.
Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine and placed next to bins and bags.
You can purchase a DSNY brown bin at bins.nyc. If using your own bin, order a free composting bin decal!