NYC Hospitality Alliance summarizes new restaurant waste rules: Starting August 1st, all restaurants, bars, caterers, and other food-related businesses must set out any solid waste, including refuse and organic waste, at the curb for private carter collection in rigid receptacles with tight-fitting lids. If you do not have room indoors to store these garbage cans, you can keep within three feet of the establishment’s building line on the sidewalk 24/7. This rule does not apply to food-related businesses that receive off-street collection, including collection that takes place in a loading dock and will not apply to recyclable materials other than organic waste, There will be a one month ticket grace period in August.
All food-related Businesses
This rule impacts catering establishments, food manufacturers, food preparation establishments, food service establishments, food wholesalers, and retail food stores. Restaurants, grocery stores, delis, bodegas, caterers, or other businesses that sell or handle food must comply.
Refuse and organic material
Any putrescible material (refuse or organic material) set out on the curb for collection must be in a container with a secure lid. This requirement does not apply to other recyclables (metal, glass, plastic, or paper) or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.
This rule does not require the separation of trash and organics, only the use of containers for collection. However, some businesses are required to separate their organic waste. If your business meets the minimum requirements, you must comply with the NYC Commercial Organics Rules. Are you covered by this law? Visit nyc.gov/commercialorganics
When to set out
Per recent setout rules, businesses that place waste on the curb have two options:
- Place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing or after 8:00 PM
Store bins inside or outside
Containers should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible. If space is not available, bins can be stored within three (3) feet of the building line when not set out for collection. Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path of pedestrian travel on the sidewalk.
Join an info session!
Need more information to prepare your business? Join one of our weekly trainings starting next week through the end of August.
August 11, 2pm: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ca6317b6-87fb-439b-874e-f90517c85e11@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
August 15, 6pm: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/d405e169-2d19-41a8-99ef-b3721329e43a@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
August 24, 4pm: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/a6b62ced-5531-411c-abde-088bd13c916f@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
August 28, 11:30am: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/0f22aa48-d0b1-443c-a681-6a1f0776eefd@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef If you’re unable to make an info session, go to nyc.gov/usebins for more information
