Soon all New Yorkers will be required to compost all organic waste under a sweeping bill that passed the City Council back in June. The mandatory compositing legislation is the more ambitious successor of Mayor Eric Adam’s current program, which implements voluntary curbside composting across the five boroughs over the next year. Under the new legislation, mandatory composting would begin in April 2025.

What Is Organic Recycling

Organic recycling refers to a closed loop process where organic materials are converted into energy, gas, water, and biomass. Organic materials come in a variety of forms including food waste and food-soiled paper products, but also yard waste like yard trimmings or fallen leaves. By recycling organic waste, the city can limit how much of it ends up in landfills producing methane gas.  By recycling these materials, the city can convert the material into compost or biogas, which has the potential to power cars and buses or be turned into electricity or heat.

How To Prepare Your Co-Op or Condominium

While there are several benefits to organic recycling, it is unlikely that an environmental lecture alone will be enough to help residents overcome their misgivings about handling organic waste.  However, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier.

1. Distribute literature before implementing the program: Right now, the organic waste program is voluntary, so this is the best time to educate your shareholders/owners about organic recycling, the new city mandate, and what will be required of them in the coming years.


2. Address Concerns Upfront: It is likely that people will be concerned about the pests organic recycling could potentially attract, amongst a host of other concerns. Take the time to address these concerns as they arise and emphasize that if done properly organic recycling does not cause infestations and is no more burdensome than the traditional recycling mandated by the city.


3. Make Things Simple: The best thing you can do is make the transition as easy as possible. Provide recyclable trash bags and recycling pails for the initial launch of the program. Moreover, make sure the brown recycling bins are easily accessible.


4. Use Your Resources: There are several organizations around the city dedicated to reducing the amount of waste. These organizations like, Manhattan SWAB, provide comprehensive residential recycling guides designed to help co-ops and condominiums improve residential recycling rates.