Zero Waste Act: City Council passes legislation for a greener NYC (2023)

"Today, the New York City Council passed the “Zero Waste Act,” a legislative package of zero waste legislation that will advance our city’s efforts to divert organic waste from landfills, fight climate change, and create a greener, more sustainable future for all New Yorkers. The five-bill legislative package codifies a mandatory residential curbside organics collection program, sets zero waste targets for 2030, requires annual reporting on Zero Waste efforts, creates community food scrap drop-off sites, and establishes new community recycling centers in the five boroughs. Taken together, the Zero Waste Act positions New York City as a national leader on zero waste policies, advances the City’s efforts to fight the climate crisis, and addresses the over 11,000 tons of residential waste that New Yorkers produce daily..." ~ NY City Council

(Photo credit: Marco Verch)

Learn more about the details of the legislative package below.

Int. No. 0244A-2022 - This bill would establish a permanent citywide residential curbside composting program to divert organic waste. The program requires residents to separate both yard waste and organic waste, such as food scraps, for regular weekly curbside collection by the Department of Sanitation. It will be phased in, with citywide coverage by October 2024. The bill also requires the City to conduct public outreach to residents, building owners, and maintenance staff.

Int. No. 0274A-2022 - This bill would establish a goal of zero divertible waste for New York City by 2030. The Department of Sanitation would be required to report to the Council if this goal cannot be met

Int. No. 0275A-2022 - This bill would require the Department of Sanitation to report on their efforts to increase waste diversion rates. The report must include information on specific materials and their recyclability, and efforts to recycle or reuse materials collected through public litter baskets and other sources.

Int. No. 0280A-2022 - This bill would require the Department of Sanitation to establish community recycling centers in every borough, to collect materials that are not collected through regular curbside collection but that can be recycled or reused. Information about each facility would be posted online. The bill also requires the Department of Sanitation to submit reports to the Council about the usage of each site.

Int. No. 0281B-2022 - This bill would require the Department of Sanitation to establish a minimum number of organic waste drop-off sites in each borough, and a minimum number citywide. Information about each drop off site would be posted online. The bill also requires the Department of Sanitation to submit reports to the Council about the usage of each site.