New Yorkers to be fined for improper waste separation starting April 1
'27.03.2025'
ForumDaily New York
The New York City Council passed a series of bills back in 2023 that would require city residents to separate food and non-food waste. The plan is to compost food waste and send less trash to the landfill. Starting April 1, New Yorkers will have to separate food waste from other trash. Otherwise, New Yorkers will face a fine of $25, reports NBC.
Sanitation inspectors may search trash bags to see if organic waste is mixed in with other waste. trash.
Food waste separation rules
Sanitation officials say they have made the rules simple for residents. All food, garden and food-contaminated paper waste must be thrown into the bin on trash day.
On the subject: New Yorkers Fined for Not Having Dumpsters: What You Need to Know
What should be separated?
Food scraps and food-contaminated paper should be placed in compost bins instead of garbage bags.
Compostable waste includes:
- fruit;
- vegetables;
- meat;
- bones;
- dairy;
- prepared food;
- napkins;
- paper towels;
- tea bags;
- paper plates;
- coffee filters;
- pizza boxes (clean boxes should be recycled);
- products labeled as "compostable".
Fines
Landlords who violate waste separation requirements may face penalties fine from $25 for the first violation.
Buildings with eight units could face fines of $25 for the first violation, $50 for the second and $100 for subsequent violations.
Buildings with more than nine units are subject to a fine of $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $300 for subsequent violations.
Sanitation inspectors could check trash bags to see if food waste is mixed with solid waste. Sanitation officials have pointed out that this enforcement mechanism is used in cities around the world.
