Starting April 1, 2025, New York City will begin enforcing its mandatory composting program. This initiative requires all residents, including Filipino families in the city, to separate food waste from regular trash as part of a broader effort to combat climate change, reduce landfill waste, and address the city’s ongoing rat problem.
While the law is widely praised for its environmental benefits, it has sparked controversy among landlords, property owners, and building staff, who argue that the added responsibility may place an unrealistic burden on them.
Why Is the Composting Law Important?
The composting law passed in 2020, is designed to reduce methane emissions from landfills and tackle the growing rat problem. Food waste is a major contributor to landfills, where it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
By diverting food scraps into composting, the city hopes to create valuable soil, lower carbon emissions, and curb the rodent population, which thrives on food scraps left in garbage.
The law is also a response to public health concerns, aiming to reduce vermin and improve sanitation in communities across the city.
What’s new for Filipino residents?
Filipino communities, many of whom live in dense apartment buildings, will be directly impacted by the composting rules. In most buildings with trash chutes, residents won’t need to worry about sorting food scraps—building staff will take care of it.
However, there are still concerns about how landlords and building managers will manage this transition, particularly in high-density neighborhoods where residents already face crowded living conditions.
Though individuals won’t face fines for non-compliance, the responsibility for sorting food waste will fall on building staff. This could be especially challenging for smaller buildings with limited resources. Fines will start at $25 for violations in smaller buildings, with penalties increasing up to $300 for larger buildings.
This has created tensions, with some Filipino residents worried that the changes might lead to confusion, especially in multi-unit buildings where not everyone speaks English fluently. Many are looking for clear communication from landlords and building management to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Reactions: Support and pushback
The composting initiative has received mixed reactions. On one hand, Filipino environmental advocates see it as a positive step toward a cleaner, greener New York. By diverting food waste from landfills, the city will be able to recycle organic material into nutrient-rich soil, which can help local gardens and community farms, many of which serve Filipino communities.
On the other hand, the program has faced significant pushback from landlords, property owners, and some residents. Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association, has argued that the mandate places an unfair burden on building staff, who are already stretched thin. “This forces staff into sorting through dumpsters, adding more work to their already demanding responsibilities,” he says.
Some Filipino tenants are also concerned that improper composting practices could lead to even more rats, exacerbating an already existing problem in densely populated neighborhoods.
What’s the city doing to help?
City officials have been holding informational sessions to help residents and property managers understand the new rules. For Filipino families, particularly those who live in larger apartment complexes, these sessions are key to ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to composting guidelines.
Additionally, the city will offer resources like labeled compost bins and educational materials to help make the transition easier for residents. For buildings with four or more units, there will be designated compost bins in common areas, and each resident will need to separate their food scraps.
How can residents prepare?
Here’s a quick guide for Filipino families and individuals living in New York:
1. Separate Your Food Waste:
• What to Compost: All food scraps, including meat, bones, dairy, and even prepared foods. You can also compost food-soiled paper products like pizza boxes and napkins.
• What Not to Compost: Non-organic materials like plastic, glass, metal, and diapers.
2. Use Designated Compost Bins: Ensure your building provides clearly labeled compost bins in the common areas. If not, contact your building management or report the issue to the city.
3. Set Out Your Compost Bin: Compost is collected weekly, usually alongside recycling. Place your compost bin outside after 6 PM the night before your collection day.
Looking to the future
Curbside Composting · NYC311 is a bold step toward a more sustainable and cleaner environment. While the mandate has sparked debates, especially in densely populated areas, its success could position New York as a model for urban sustainability.
As Filipino New Yorkers adapt to these new rules, it will be important for residents and building managers to collaborate to ensure the program runs smoothly. With the right guidance and community cooperation, New York City’s composting initiative could become a model for other cities looking to reduce waste and fight climate change.
For more information, Filipino residents can attend city-led informational sessions or visit the New York City Department of Sanitation’s website for the latest updates.