New York businesses face fines with waste containerization rule

The New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced all food-related businesses could face fines for failure to comply with the city’s new waste containerization rule.

Since the Aug. 1 rule change, food-related businesses, such as restaurants, delis, bodegas and grocery stores, have been required to use containers when setting waste at the curb for collection. DSNY has issued approximately 21,000 warnings in the last month, informing businesses that black plastic bags will not be collected. The warning period ended Sept. 1 and fines will be issued to any covered business not in compliance. 

Fines start at $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense and $200 for all subsequent offenses. 

Black bags of trash leak food waste and attract rats, DSNY says, and moving trash into rigid lidded containers reduces the occurrence of foul odors and vermin. This requirement does not apply to recyclables or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock. 

The next phase of the city’s commercial containerization plan starts Sept. 5 and extends containerization requirements to all chain businesses with four or more locations in New York City. These businesses will receive a similar one-month warning period.