DSNY answers questions as compost enforcement begins

Starting April 1, all New Yorkers must start composting their trash, separating all organic material, like food scraps and plastic plates, and place them in marked bins outside of their homes.

News 12 sat down with DSNY Commissioner Javier Lojan to get some clarity on how New Yorkers can follow the rules and how DSNY plans to enforce it.

Q: "How can you tell someone who is not following the rules or someone just maybe threw one thing in the wrong place, are you opening up the been to check?"
JV: "Correct, we have to verify that material is not being separated in the trash - it's the only way for us to issue a fine, the initial violation could be$100 and as high as $300. If the effort is there, obviously, there is discretion. If people are doing their part, we understand it won't be perfect - especially in these first weeks."
Q: "What happens if you are a landlord, who will be paying these fines, and your tenants refuse to follow the policy, or half say to you they've never heard of composting?"
JV: "Each building is unique, each has its own types of maintenance - some more robust than others- but they can do communication and outreach to residents."
Q: "What if I'm already composting, will I be fined if I'm not placing out a bin?"
JV: "No, in that circumstance you are not fined, but we will go out on recycling day. If we do not see a bin out, we may search the refuse bag to see if people are separating."

Official city bins were available for free earlier in the year. DSNY is now encouraging landlords and homeowners to purchase the official bins from the city, adding that unofficial bins may be used if clearly labeled.

"The city bins are sealed so that prevents trash from being unsecure on the street," Lojan said.

DSNY says that during the previous warning period, over 30,000 warnings were issued.

With the program up and running, New Yorkers could also get the chance to get their compost back in the form of finished compost for plants or home gardens.

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