New York Is Getting Strict About Composting. Here’s What to Know.

Good morning. It’s Wednesday. Today we’ll look at curbside composting. The city will begin fining buildings that don’t separate compostable material from other waste starting next month.

Confusion about curbside composting has been rising as April 1 approaches. That is when buildings in New York City that don’t separate compostable waste from other trash will face fines of as much as $300 per violation.

April 1 is 13 days away, so why think about this now? Because you may want to get something to put your compostable material in before you take it to a bin. Compostables like food scraps can be messy. Here’s a head start on sorting it all out.

What can I compost?

Food scraps and food-soiled paper, according to the city’s Sanitation Department. This includes meat, bones, dairy products, pizza boxes and greasy uncoated paper plates, as well as products that are labeled compostable. Also leaves and yard waste, if you have any.

There are some don’ts. Diapers and personal hygiene products don’t go in the composting bin. They should be disposed of in your regular trash bin. Also, don’t put recyclables — metal, glass or plastic — in the composting bin. Many recyclable products are not compostable.