Policy tracker
Active legislation and rulemaking on commercial organics in New York City and New York State. Each row links to the primary source and carries the date we last checked it.
Expands commercial organics diversion to a wider set of food businesses
Passed, capacity decision due Dec 1 2026Lets the Sanitation Department extend the commercial organics requirement well beyond today's covered establishments, including wholesalers and venues. Passed June 30, 2026. DSNY has a capacity determination due December 1, 2026, which is the date that decides how far the requirement actually reaches.
NYC Council legislation · last checked Sep 23
Minimum composting capacity per borough
In committeeWould set a floor for organics processing capacity in each borough. Reintroduced and sitting in committee. It matters to a micro-hauler because processing capacity inside the five boroughs is what decides whether material stays in the city.
NYC Council legislation · last checked Sep 23
Generator threshold stepping down
In force, threshold stepping downRequires large food scrap generators to donate edible food and recycle the rest where a processor is within range. The threshold has been stepping down; the one-ton-per-week tier took effect in January 2026, which brings in businesses that were previously under the line.
NYS DEC · last checked Sep 23
This page describes what the rules say, as best we understand them. It is not legal advice and it does not certify anyone’s compliance. Enforcement is the city’s and the state’s, not ours. Check with DSNY or DEC for anything that turns on a threshold.