Yisroel R.

New York City’s curbside garage composting program is once again being enforced with fines, as sanitation officials have issued more than 1,500 tickets to Brooklyn residents since enforcement resumed in March. The renewed push comes after the program was briefly rolled out in April 2025 before penalties were paused just weeks later under then-Mayor Eric Adams.

At the time, the Adams administration said the pause was necessary to allow for more public education and outreach, acknowledging that many residents were not yet familiar with how composting works. Despite that effort, confusion appears to remain widespread, with many Brooklyn residents saying they still do not fully understand the rules or requirements.

Now, under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, enforcement has returned, with the New York City Department of Sanitation stepping up ticketing for households that fail to separate compostable waste. The agency says curbside composting is mandatory and includes items such as food scraps, yard waste, and even certain materials like meat and dairy products.

The program also requires that compost be placed in bins with secured lids, typically no larger than 55 gallons, in line with sanitation guidelines. However, critics argue that the city has moved too quickly into enforcement without ensuring that residents are properly informed.

“People can’t even afford to live now, and you’re punishing them for garbage,” said Michael, a Canarsie resident, reflecting frustration from some communities hit with fines.

City officials maintain that the program is essential for reducing landfill waste and improving environmental sustainability across the five boroughs. Still, the return of fines under Mayor Mamdani is already drawing criticism from residents who say education efforts have fallen short, raising questions about whether enforcement is getting ahead of public understanding.