Mandatory Composting Begins April 1

Remember those brown bins that were dropped off in Rockaway over the last few years? It’s time to start using them, if you’re not already. Starting April 1, all New York City residents will be required to separate yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper from trash and recycling, in those brown bins, or property owners will be subject to fines.

The brown bins for composting can be used for all yard waste including flowers and plants, all food scraps including meat, bones, shells and dairy, all prepared and cooked foods, all greasy uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes, and products labeled as compostable. It is not for diapers, personal hygiene products, animal waste, wrappers, non-paper packaging, foam products and recyclable materials. The bins go out on the same day as recycling day.

If you don’t have a brown bin, you can purchase them at bins.nyc. If you buy your own, they must be 55 gallons or less with a secure line. The bins should be lined 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 and placed out next to the bin. Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine and placed next to bins and bags.

DSNY says fines will be issued to property owners who mix food and yard waste with noncompostable trash. Fines start at $25 for a first offense for buildings with eight or less units to $50 for a second offense and $100 for a third offense. Fines are higher for buildings with nine or more units. Residents who might compost in their backyard or utilize a Smart Composting Bin for their food and yard waste will NOT be fined simply for not putting a compost bin out on collection day. Councilwoman Joann Ariola may be proving free countertop compost bin for indoor use. Call 718-318-6411 for details.