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NYC moves ahead with rule to fine residents who don't separate yard waste from trash
By
Sophia Chang
Published Apr 27, 2023
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NYC Department of Sanitation
By
Sophia Chang
Published Apr 27, 2023
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New Yorkers may soon be required to separate branches, leaves and twigs from their household trash — or face fines from the city.
The sanitation department held a public hearing on the proposed rule on Thursday, the final regulatory hurdle before it can go into effect.
Under the rule, waste would be required to be kept in a separate bag or container from household garbage for pickup by the sanitation department. It could be put on the curb together with other organic waste like food scraps, for which composting remains voluntary.
The mandate could launch as early as Memorial Day weekend in Queens, where curbside composting pickup resumed this spring.
Next will be Brooklyn, where the rule would go into effect in October, when curbside composting pickup starts in that borough. The rule would affect Bronx and Staten Island residents in March 2024 and Manhattan residents in October 2024.
If the requirement is enacted, the sanitation department plans to roll out a three-month “education and warning period” in each borough before summonses are issued.
Those caught tossing their yard waste in their household trash could be issued a $25 to $100 ticket.
Thursday's hearing on the proposed change elicited just one comment — from waste industry consultant Kendall Christiansen, who asked the city to clearly define what qualifies as yard waste.
Advocates hailed the policy as progress toward reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
“All of these composting initiatives are part of a once-in-a-generation reform to solid waste policy in New York, which will help advance a basketful of environmental and economic objectives,” said Eric Goldstein, the Natural Resources Defense Council's New York City environment director. “The new yard waste rules are another step along the road to a more sustainable trash policy.”
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sanitation
Sophia Chang
Sophia Chang is a former WNYC and Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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