NYC Curbside Organics Collection Increased by 72 Percent
New York City residents saw a surge in food and yard waste collection during the 2026 fiscal year.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Organic Food
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New York City collected 103,403 tons of organic waste through its citywide curbside program in fiscal year 2026, which ended June 30, 2026. This reflects a 72.5 percent increase in volume as the city continues to phase in waste separation requirements across all five boroughs.
Why it matters
The program aims to boost citywide waste diversion, though residents have faced ongoing challenges with mandate compliance and sorting requirements. The city now relies on both educational outreach and enforcement summonses to meet its long-term sustainability goals.
Official city performance data shows 103,403 tons of organic material were collected in fiscal year 2026, marking a 72.5 percent increase over the prior year. Despite this growth, the total capture rate remains at 8 percent, with a 2030 goal of 14 percent still under investigation.
The players
DSNY
The New York City Department of Sanitation, responsible for municipal waste collection and enforcement of environmental mandates.
The details
The program functions by requiring residential separation of food and yard waste from traditional refuse, facilitated by DSNY through a fleet of 320 new staff members. The Department of Sanitation utilizes periodic ticketing and, in 2026, issued nearly 50,000 summonses to property owners who failed to adhere to waste separation mandates. Outreach continues to be a central pillar of the initiative following a temporary pause in enforcement during 2025 due to public confusion.
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.
Health Landscape
The city's mandatory organics separation local law establishes the regulatory framework for current waste diversion initiatives. This program's performance data serves as an update to the benchmarks established by the city for residential environmental compliance.
Residents should stay informed about local waste separation requirements to avoid potential summonses for non-compliance. Clarifying specific sorting guidelines with your local sanitation office can help simplify daily habits and ensure successful participation in city programs.
The takeaway
While the 72.5 percent increase in collection signals growing participation, the 8 percent total capture rate indicates there is significant room for improvement before reaching the 2030 goal. Residents should monitor local DSNY updates to ensure they are following current separation mandates and avoiding future enforcement notices.
What happens next
Commercial waste zones in Brooklyn North and Upper Manhattan are scheduled to begin operations on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local waste management efforts in the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Waste Dive.
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