Attention New York City Store Owners and Managers,

Enforcement of Sanitation Department's Adopted Organic Waste Rule Goes into effect on July 31, 2022. 

Certain New York City establishments are required by law to separate their organic waste. If your business meets the minimum requirements outlined below, you must comply with the Commercial Organics Rules by the date shown.

Under the adopted rule, any retail food store that is part of a chain of three or more stores that have a combined floor area space of at least 10,000 square feet and that operate under common ownership or control and receive waste collection from the same private carter is covered. An individual retail food store that is not part of a chain of three or more stores and has a floor area space of at least 10,000 square feet is also covered. 

Click HERE to download Organic Waste NYC Adopted Rule
Click HERE to download Testimony by The Food Industry Alliance of New York State, Inc. in Opposition to Expansion of Organic Waste Source Separation Program

What to Separate
Businesses covered by these rules must separate staff-handled, back of house food scraps, plant trimmings, food-soiled paper and certified compostable products from garbage and other recyclables.
Important: Businesses should contact their carter or processor to confirm whether they collect compostable products and they meet their specifications.
 
How to Comply and Avoid Violations
  • Provide labeled containers for the collection of organic waste in any area where organic waste is handled or set out by employees. "Label" means a display of words.
  • Post and maintain signs with instructions on identifying and separating organic waste from garbage and recyclables. The signs must be visible to employees in areas where organic waste is handled.
  • Ensure that employees place organic waste in appropriately labeled containers and do not mix organics with garbage or recyclables.
  • Ensure that containers for source-separated organic waste are latched at the time of storage or set-out.
  • Arrange for organic waste to be transported and/or processed separately from garbage and recycling.
Important: Download sample signs, labels and other educational materials, here.
 
Transportation & Processing Options
Businesses are given the option to arrange for collection by a private carter, transport organic waste themselves, or process the material on-site. Suitable processing methods include composting and aerobic/anaerobic digestion. A food waste grinder is not permitted.
  • Private Carter: Businesses that hire a private-carter to collect their organic waste must post an official Business Integrity Commission (BIC) decal. Containers for set-out must meet carter specifications and have a latching lid that is securely fastened at the time of set-out. Learn more about hiring a private carter.

For additional information, please visit DSNY - Commercial Requirements (nyc.gov)