Total Management NYC: Curbside Composting for Apartment Residents
NYC’s Mandatory Curbside Composting Program
Total Management NYC is committed to keeping our buildings compliant with NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) regulations while maintaining a clean and sustainable living environment. As of October 6, 2024, compost separation is mandatory in all NYC apartment buildings. Starting April 1, 2025, fines will be issued for non-compliance.
By properly sorting compostable materials, we reduce landfill waste, control rodent issues, and support a greener city.
For official DSNY guidelines, visit: DSNY Curbside Composting.
What Residents Need to Do
1. Sort Your Waste Properly
Place in the Compost Bin:
All food scraps, including meat, dairy, eggshells, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and coffee grounds
Food-soiled paper, such as greasy napkins, paper towels, and uncoated takeout containers
Yard waste, including flowers, small branches, and leaves
Do Not Put in the Compost Bin:
Plastic bags, metal, glass, or Styrofoam
Pet waste, diapers, or hygiene products
Liquids, oils, or non-food items
2. Use the Correct Bin in Your Building
Your building must provide a designated compost bin in the basement, trash room, or near other waste containers.
If your building has individual brown compost bins, please use them.
Only use clear plastic, paper, or compostable bags to collect scraps before disposing of them.
3. Follow Collection Rules
Compost is collected on your building’s recycling day—check with management or use the DSNY collection schedule.
If your building has a superintendent, they will ensure compost bins are placed at the curb for collection.
Compliance & Enforcement
Until March 31, 2025: Residents will receive warnings for non-compliance.
Starting April 1, 2025: Fines will be issued to buildings that fail to separate compost properly. These fines may be passed on to residents who do not comply.
Why Compost?
Keeps NYC streets cleaner and reduces rodent problems
Helps NYC meet sustainability goals
Creates compost for parks and gardens
Reduces waste sent to landfills
Proper composting benefits both the environment and our building community.
Resources & Informational Flyers
For more detailed guidance, DSNY provides informational materials:
Curbside Composting is Easy! – A step-by-step guide to composting.
What Can Be Composted? – A complete list of accepted and non-accepted items.
Collection Schedule Lookup – Find out when your compost is collected.
Let’s work together to keep our buildings clean and compliant while making NYC a greener place to live!
For any questions, contact Total Management NYC.