Curbside Composting - DSNY

New York City Department of Sanitation


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Trash
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Curbside Composting
Curbside Composting FAQ
Food Scrap Drop-Off
Holiday Schedule
Collection Laws for Residents

Find My Collection Schedule

Trash

Recycling

Curbside Composting

Curbside Composting FAQ

Food Scrap Drop-Off

Holiday Schedule

Collection Laws for Residents


Curbside Composting

Curbside Composting service is now available to ALL NYC residents citywide.

Compost is picked up every week on your recycling day.

Find your collection schedule

What to Compost

We will pick up 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

We pick up ALL 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.

Extra leaf and yard waste can be put in a paper lawn and leaf bag or clear plastic bag.

Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine and placed next to bins and bags.

Use your DSNY brown bin or purchase one at www.bins.nyc. You can also use any labeled bin (55 gallons or less) with a secure lid. If using your own bin, order a free composting bin decal.

Mandatory Separation

Leaf and yard waste separation from trash is now mandatory.

Separation of compost from trash is now mandatory. If you do not separate food waste from trash, you may get a warning. Starting April 1, 2025, all NYC residents will be subject to fines.

Storage Area

Owners and property managers of buildings with 4 or more units must provide a designated storage area with clearly labeled compost bins. Learn more about composting in larger buildings.

Info Sessions

Join a virtual info session to learn more about Curbside Composting. These sessions are open to anyone.

Thursday, February 13 at 4:00 PM

Thursday, February 27 at 6:00 PM

Thursday, March 13 at 4:00 PM

Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 PM

Thursday, April 10 at 4:00 PM

Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 PM

Watch a Recorded Info Session

Watch a Recorded Building Staff Webinar

Community Events

Join us at a tabling event to learn more about Curbside Composting.

We will be giving away educational material and kitchen containers for food scraps. Check back regularly for updates.

NOTE: Containers are first come, first served, and limited to 1 per attendee.

Wednesday, February 12 - Jackson Heights
Diversity Plaza
37th Rd between Broadway & 73rd St, Queens
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Past Events

Sunday, October 27 - Tompkinsville
Tompkinsville Park, 45 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island

Wednesday, November 13 - Upper East Side
96th Street Library, 112 E 96th St, Manhattan

Tuesday, December 10 - Westchester Square
Westchester Square Plaza, Westchester Square, Bronx

Tuesday, January 7 - Flatbush
Hillel Plaza, Hillel Place between Nostrand & Flatbush Aves, Brooklyn

More Resources

Download Composting decals and signage.

Download Curbside Composting tip sheets & guides.

Find a Smart Composting Bin or food scrap drop-off site near you.

Learn more about our Compost Giveback program.

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