NYC Issues 1,885 Fines in Composting Crackdown

New York City has commenced enforcement of its composting regulations, issuing 1,885 tickets to property owners in the first week for non-compliance. These rules, effective since October, require the separation of organic waste from regular trash, with fines beginning at $25 for initial offenses and increasing for subsequent violations. The city has seen a significant uptick in compostable material collection, with 2.5 million pounds gathered in the first week, a 240% increase compared to the same period last year. Officials emphasize the program's goal to normalize composting without special rules and aim to improve the residential composting rate, which remains low compared to other recycling efforts. Mayor Eric Adams clarified that the initiative is more about promoting compliance than generating revenue. The program has already seen over 40,000 orders for composting bins, signaling growing participation and interest among residents.