In relation to the installation of food waste disposals in residential dwellings
NYC L.L. 1995/074
in effectL.L. 1995/074
Enactment date: 9/22/1995
Int. No. 539-A
By Council Members Spigner, Dear, Pagan, Williams, Wooten, Marshall, Rosado and Ognibene
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of food waste disposals in residential dwellings
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Declaration of legislative intent and findings. The council finds that lifting the ban on the installation of food waste disposals in residential dwellings served by combined storm and sanitary sewers could afford all city residents the potential convenience of using this household appliance. Moreover, the council finds that the installation of food waste disposals in residential dwellings could assist the city in its effort to manage solid waste by diverting putrescible solid waste from disposal in landfills.
However, the council finds that there are potential adverse impacts associated with lifting the ban on the installation of food waste disposals in residential dwellings served by combined storm and sanitary sewers. These adverse impacts could include a decrease in the quality of the city's receiving waters, obstruction of the city's sewer system, increased water consumption, impact on the city's ability to comply with applicable statutes, rules, regulations, permits, and orders, and increased operating costs for conveying and treating wastewater.
Accordingly, the council hereby authorizes the department of environmental protection to conduct a pilot program to determine the relative costs, benefits and problems associated with the installation of food waste disposals in residential dwellings served by combined storm and sanitary sewers. If at the conclusion of the pilot program it is determined that food waste disposals should be allowed on a more widespread basis in residential dwellings served by combined storm and sanitary sewers, the council may act to permit further installation by local law.
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[Consolidated provisions are not included in this Appendix A]
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§ 5. This local law shall take effect immediately.
Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-216722Fetched: 10/25/2026