Starting next week, composting will be required for all Bronx residents, marking a significant change in how household waste is handled.

Residents can order free compost bins from the Department of Sanitation. Those will help residents separate food scraps, leftovers and certain types of paper from their regular trash. This initiative is part of New York City's effort to reduce landfill waste and create more sustainable outcomes for food waste.

Council Member Eric Dinowitz highlighted the environmental benefits of this initiative.

“It’s really quite incredible to see how little actual garbage so many of us make, how much of it is food and food scraps,” said Dinowitz.

He also emphasized the city’s commitment to providing information and resources for those unsure how to begin composting. Individualized information sessions are available for buildings, and DSNY offers weekly training programs.

Failure to comply will result in fines starting in April 2025. For buildings with one to eight units, the first offense will result in a $25 fine, while buildings with nine or more units will be fined $100.

Sanitation Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman explained the impact of improper waste management.

“When you don’t separate that material, it sits in your trash, it attracts rats, it goes to a landfill, and it becomes nothing," said Goodman. "With composting, that waste can become renewable energy or soil for community gardens.”