Brooklyn Composting Mandate and Curbside Rules
Brooklyn, New York residents must follow city organics collection and composting rules set by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and related municipal enforcement. This guide explains who must separate food scraps and yard waste, how to prepare materials for curbside collection, what rules apply to multiunit buildings, and where enforcement and appeals are handled in Brooklyn. It summarizes required separation practices, common violations, and practical steps to comply so residents avoid penalties and disruption to collection service.
Who must separate organics
DSNY requires separation of food scraps and other designated organic materials where curbside organics collection or building-level organics service is offered or mandated by local rules. Collection schedules, cart types, and acceptable materials are set by DSNY and may vary by neighborhood or building type. Large commercial generators remain subject to commercial organics rules enforced separately.
- Single-family homes and small buildings on a DSNY organics route: follow curbside rules.
- Multiunit residential buildings: building managers must provide organics containers or arrange service when required.
- Commercial generators: separate organics per commercial organics rules.
How to prepare curbside organics
Follow DSNY guidance for acceptable materials and containment. Use designated organics carts where provided, place items in approved compostable bags only if DSNY allows them in your area, and avoid placing non-organic contaminants with food scraps.
- Check your curbside collection day and organics schedule with DSNY or 311.
- Acceptable items typically include food scraps, soiled paper, and some yard waste; plastics and metals are prohibited.
- Place carts at the curb by the posted time; do not block sidewalks or bike lanes.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for organics separation and curbside rules is carried out by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and administratively adjudicated by the Environmental Control Board (ECB) or the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) where applicable. Enforcement may include notices, civil penalties, and orders to correct violations.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences may be subject to escalating administrative penalties; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: correction orders, mandated compliance plans, and referral to adjudication are possible.
- Enforcer and reporting: DSNY handles inspections and complaints; residents may report missed collections or violations to DSNY/311.
- Appeals and review: administrative hearings through ECB or OATH for contested violations; time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences/discretion: reasonable excuse or documented inability to comply may be considered; variances or exemptions are not commonly published for residential curbside service.
Common violations and typical outcomes:
- Placing prohibited materials (plastics, glass) in organics streams — may result in notice and requirement to remove contaminants.
- Leaving organics in non-approved bags or containers — subject to correction order.
- Failure by building managers to provide required organics service for tenants — enforcement action against the owner or manager.
Applications & Forms
No special application is generally required for residential curbside organics collection; residents must use the DSNY-designated carts and follow scheduling rules. For building-level service changes or commercial organics programs, DSNY provides forms and vendor contact procedures where applicable. Specific form names and fees are not specified on the cited page.
How to
Practical action steps for Brooklyn residents to comply with composting and curbside rules.
- Confirm organics service availability and collection day for your address with DSNY or 311.
- Separate food scraps and acceptable yard waste at home using a countertop pail and transfer to the DSNY organics cart or approved container.
- If you manage a multiunit building, arrange building-level organics service or provide labeled containers for tenants.
- Set containers at the curb by the required time and remove them promptly after pickup to avoid violations.
- If a pickup is missed or you receive a violation, document the issue and contact DSNY or file an appeal through ECB/OATH as instructed on the summons.
FAQ
- Do Brooklyn residents have to separate food scraps?
- Where DSNY organics collection or local rules apply, residents must separate food scraps and other designated organics from regular trash.
- What items are allowed in curbside organics?
- Typically food scraps, soiled paper, and specified yard waste; plastics, glass, and metal are not allowed. Check DSNY guidance for a current list.
- What if my building won’t provide organics service?
- Building managers are responsible for arranging required service; tenants should report noncompliance to DSNY or 311.
Key Takeaways
- Brooklyn residents must follow DSNY organics rules where collection is offered or mandated.
- Use DSNY-designated carts and follow the posted schedule to avoid enforcement actions.
- Report missed pickups or compliance issues to DSNY or 311 and keep records if you appeal a notice.
Help and Support / Resources
- New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY)
- NYC 311 - Report missed collection or request information
- Environmental Control Board (ECB) - adjudication and appeals