After last year’s curbside composting expansion to Manhattan, the separation of compost from trash for NYC residents is now mandatory. If you do not separate food or yard waste from trash, you may get a warning. Starting April 1, 2025, all NYC residents will be subject to fines.
For the entire City, composting will be picked up on your recycling day – this is Wednesday in most of NoHo. There are no exceptions for building size, etc. and you must set compost out in bins, in most cases.
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 a DSNY brown bin.
- Bins must be 55 gallons or less with a secure lid. You may line the bin with a clear plastic, paper, or compostable bag to help keep it clean if you would like, but it is not required.
- 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.
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. Compost in bins may be set out beginning at 6:00 PM, like all other trash.
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 that you want. If you have your own bin, you must order a free composting bin decal and clearly label the outside with it.
Leaf and yard waste separation from trash is also mandatory. If you have bagged yard waste to set out that does not fit in bins, you may bag it in a clear plastic bag, and set it out after 8:00 PM only.
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 tips for composting in larger buildings here.
Additionally, NYC has over 400 SmartBins across the City – including one in NoHo at Bond Street and Lafayette Street – where you can bring compost anytime. These bins are regularly serviced by DSNY, and require using the City’s app to open. More details here.
What to Compost
DSNY 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.
Information Sessions
Join a virtual info session to learn more about Curbside Composting. These sessions are open to anyone.
Watch a Recorded Info Session for the General Public
Watch a Recorded Info Session Building Staff – this includes property owners, managers, supers, support staff, and anybody else who operates a building.
