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CB2 hears that organics program uptake is low in CD2; DSNY fines to begin April 1
Summary
A Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board representative told Community Board 2's executive committee that only about 6—% of organic waste in the district is being diverted into the city's organics program. The representative said fines will begin April 1 and committee members discussed outreach and bin size concerns.
A representative from the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board reported to the Community Board 2 executive committee that the borough's organics collection program has low participation in the district, with roughly 6 to 8 percent of organic waste entering the organics stream so far.
The presenter said a broader majority of organic material remains headed to landfill and that the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will begin enforcement fines on April 1. The committee was told fines will start small but incrementally increase; the meeting did not record the fine scale or enforcement schedule beyond the April 1 start date.
Committee members and residents discussed outreach strategies, including work in schools, tenant associations and block associations, and noted that some large co-op buildings find the supplied 21-gallon brown buckets insufficient. A committee member reported DSNY allows containers up to 55 gallons if labeled and latching is compliant; the city's 21-gallon bins are still in circulation and larger containers can be labeled for collection.
The committee also heard a comparison to Seattle, where an official said roughly 60 percent of organics are diverted and where a "pay-for-waste" model helps incentivize proper separation. Committee members emphasized education, engagement with building managers, and neighborhood outreach as priorities to improve uptake.
No board action was taken during the executive committee meeting.
