To avoid fine, here’s when NYC residents must put compost out for pickup

New York City residents who don’t abide by the city’s compost rules will be fined beginning on Tuesday, April 1.

All New Yorkers must separate their organic refuse from their ordinary household trash.

The compostable material must be put in its own separate bin and placed at the curb for pickup by the city Sanitation Department.

But New Yorkers may not know when to place the organic material at the curb for collection.

According to Sanitation, compost bins should go to the curb on the same day that residents put their recyclables out for pickup.

The fines are as follows:

Buildings with 8 apartments or less:

First offense: $25

Second offense: $50

Third and subsequent offenses: $100

Buildings with 9 apartments or more:

First offense: $100

Second offense: $200

Third and subsequent offenses: $300

City residents can purchase an official NYC compost bin from an approved vendor here.

Residents can also use their own bin for compost, provided that the bin is 55 gallons or less and has a secure lid.

The bin should have an official NYC compost decal on it, available here.

Organic material that must be separated from household trash and composted includes yard waste, like plants, leaves, twigs and grass, as well as food waste, like meat, bones, dairy, fruits and vegetables.

Egg shells and coffee grounds are also among the material that New Yorkers need to compost.

Food-soiled paper products like napkins, tea bags, coffee filters and paper plates will also need to be separated.

Compost may be placed in a clear plastic bag and then left in the bin for collection. White plastic kitchen garbage bags and black bags cannot be used for compost.

Non-soiled paper products should remain with traditionally recycled materials.

Items like wrappers, medical waste, diapers, foam and hygiene products should remain in the traditional trash.

Pizza boxes can continue to be recycled as long as they are free of excess cheese.

Pet waste, such as kitty litter, can continue to be placed in the regular household trash.