New York City Organics Collection Rose in Fiscal Year 2026
The city saw a 72.5 percent increase in curbside organic waste collection during the last fiscal year.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Organic Food
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New York City expanded its curbside organics program significantly in fiscal year 2026, which concluded on June 30, 2026. The city collected 103,403 tons of organic waste through the initiative, marking a substantial rise from the previous year.
Why it matters
The city mandates organics separation via local law to increase waste diversion and recovery rates. While participation is growing, enforcement remains a key tool to ensure compliance with waste separation requirements.
The city collected 103,403 tons of organics, representing an 8 percent capture rate against total organic waste. Officials have set a target to reach a 14 percent capture rate by 2030.
The players
Department of Sanitation (DSNY)
The New York City agency responsible for managing waste collection and enforcing local sanitation laws.
The details
To support the program, the Department of Sanitation hired 320 workers and allocated $20.3 million for the launch fiscal year. The city uses education, outreach, and consistent enforcement through summonses to drive residential participation.
Timeline
October 7, 2024: The organics program rolled out in all five boroughs.
April 2025: DSNY began initial enforcement and ticketing.
June 30, 2026: Fiscal year 2026 concluded.
October 1, 2026: New commercial waste zones begin operations.
2030: Projected target of 14 percent capture rate.
Roadmap
The program functions as a critical component of New York City's legal mandate to divert organic waste from landfills. It follows a pattern of increasingly stringent municipal waste recovery targets seen in major metropolitan areas.
Residents must continue to separate food and yard waste to comply with city mandates and avoid potential summonses. Households can anticipate continued DSNY outreach as the program expands to meet the 2030 capture targets.
The takeaway
Consistent participation in organic waste separation is essential for the city to achieve its long-term diversion goals. Residents should stay informed on local borough requirements to ensure they are properly sorting their waste and avoiding penalties.
What happens next
New waste zone operations are scheduled to begin in Brooklyn North and Upper Manhattan on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to improve sustainability through Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Waste Dive.
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