About this episode
New York City's mandatory composting program, which is already operational in Brooklyn and Queens, is expanding to Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Hilary Howard , New York Times reporter covering how the New York City region is adapting to climate change and other environmental challenges, breaks down how residents and landlords can get on board, what's compostable and when the program will start being enforced. Note: During the segment, our guest noted that composting experts don't recommend using bags marketed as "biodegradable" to dispose of food waste, either for curbside composting or the smart composting bins found on the street. The Department of Sanitation reached out to clarify that those bags ARE permitted in both curbside compost bins and the smart bins. DSNY said the bags are removed during processing, and that paper, compostable or clear plastic bags are all acceptable.