Commercial organics (food-waste) separation: New York City restaurant guide
NYC DSNY
What it is
Covered food businesses must separate organic waste for collection, transport to a processor, or on-site processing.
When a restaurant needs it
Restaurants of 7,000+ sq ft (or 8,000+ sq ft combined with other food services in the same building or location); chains with 2+ NYC locations totaling 8,000+ sq ft; or restaurants in a hotel with 100+ rooms (plus caterers hosting events of 100+ people, larger manufacturers and wholesalers).
How to apply
Arrange organics collection with your carter (or self-haul to an approved processor, or process on site) and follow DSNY's separation rules.
Documents you’ll need
- Waste plan
- Carter contract
Good to know
Thresholds confirmed on DSNY's page. Food-waste disposers that discharge to the sewer are prohibited for these businesses.
Official source
DSNY — commercial organics rules
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.