Mandatory Curbside Composting Rolls Out in Manhattan this Fall
Starting October 6, 2024, all Manhattan residents will have access to curbside composting as part of New York City’s ambitious sustainability push. While this is great news for eco-conscious tenants, landlords—especially those managing larger properties—will need to prepare for the impact of this new requirement. Here’s what you need to know.
What Landlords Need to Do
The biggest change affects property owners with buildings of four or more units. Under the new curbside composting rules, landlords must provide clearly labeled compost bins for tenants to use, along with a designated storage area. This means you’ll need to dedicate space for composting bins alongside regular trash and recycling.
While the city provides free brown compost bins from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), you may want to order additional units or purchase the official NYC Bin to ensure there’s enough capacity for your tenants. These bins must have secure lids and hold no more than 55 gallons. Tenants are instructed to line bins with clear plastic, paper, or compostable bags to keep them clean.
Why You Should Get Ahead of This
Failure to comply with the new requirements could not only frustrate tenants but may also lead to fines as enforcement ramps up. Providing composting options won’t just help you avoid penalties; it’s a selling point. As more renters seek eco-friendly living options, properties that offer easy access to composting and recycling will likely stand out.
Moreover, with a majority of the organic waste being diverted from regular trash, your building could see a reduction in the volume of garbage set out for collection, possibly lowering waste management costs over time.
What Can Be Composted
Your tenants will be able to compost a wide range of organic materials, including leaf and yard waste, food scraps (even meat, dairy, and bones), and food-soiled paper products like pizza boxes and uncoated paper plates. It’s essential to educate tenants on what cannot go into the compost bin—items like diapers, personal hygiene products, and animal waste should be disposed of in the regular trash.
Communicate With Your Tenants
Transparency and communication are key to ensuring a smooth transition. Landlords should consider posting clear signage about composting rules in common areas, near waste disposal zones, and in tenant communications. This will help prevent contamination and ensure that compost bins are used properly.
Sustainability as a Selling Point
Sustainability is no longer a niche issue—it’s a growing priority for many renters, particularly younger generations. Highlighting your building’s compliance with the city’s composting initiative in your marketing materials can give you a competitive edge. After all, composting is just one more amenity in the eyes of environmentally conscious tenant. Composting is like giving back to the Earth. Instead of throwing away old food scraps and leaves, we put them inspecial bins. Over time, these things break down and turn into rich soil. Composting is a great way to help our planet, cleaner and greener.
