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For Restaurants & Food Service

NYC Restaurant
Organics Recycling

Serving over 9,000 food service locations throughout the 5 boroughs — we're your long-term strategic partner in sustainable waste management.

9,000+
Food Service Locations Served
5
NYC Boroughs Covered
10%
Potential Savings on Disposal Costs

Did you know we're committed to being your long-term strategic partner, proactively seeking every opportunity to slash your disposal costs?

At Action Environmental, we are experts in the field, serving over 9,000 food service locations throughout the 5 boroughs. Don't just think of us as your garbage vendor — our Account Managers are here to be your waste and recycling consultants, answering any questions you may have and working with you to solve any problems you may run into.

Overview

Organics recycling is the process of collecting biodegradable waste — like food scraps, yard trimmings, and soiled paper — and turning it into compost. By diverting these materials from landfills, we help significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

We provide a full-scale organics recycling solution tailored for a variety of sectors, from grocery stores and restaurants to hospitals, schools, stadiums, and theaters.

Spanning across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, our program empowers organizations across NYC to meet their environmental goals and remain fully compliant with local mandates.

Restaurant organics recycling

Organics Requirements

Certain New York City businesses may be required under Local Law 146 to separate their organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper, certified compostable products, and plant waste). Businesses that meet the minimum requirements below must comply with the NYC Commercial Organics Rules.

Restaurants, Delis, Coffee Shops, and Cafeterias
  • Occupy a floor area of at least 7,000 square feet, or, when combined with all food services in the same building or location, at least 8,000 square feet
  • Are part of a chain with two or more NYC locations with a combined floor area of at least 8,000 square feet
  • Are located within a hotel that has at least 100 guest rooms
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
  • Occupy at least 10,000 square feet
  • Are part of a chain with three or more NYC locations with combined floor area of at least 10,000 square feet
Other Businesses
  • Food preparation locations that occupy at least 6,000 square feet
  • Catering establishments that host events attended by more than 100 people
  • Temporary public events that are attended by more than 500 people
  • Arenas and stadiums with a seating capacity of at least 15,000 people
  • Food manufacturers that occupy a floor area of at least 25,000 square feet
  • Food wholesalers that occupy a floor area of at least 20,000 square feet

Process and End Use

Your organics waste is processed for several different end uses:

Reuse

Food waste is transported to farms for livestock feed, giving organic material a direct second life in the agricultural cycle.

Composting

Food waste is taken to a commercial composting facility where it is turned into nutrient-rich soil or fertilizer for agricultural use.

Co-Digestion (Anaerobic Digestion)

Food and organic waste is processed into a bioslurry added to an anaerobic digester. The digester increases biogas production, which is captured and piped to the natural gas grid or converted into electricity. The remaining digestate can become horticultural or agricultural products, or be used in bio-based manufacturing such as bioplastics.

Organics recycling in action

Save Up to 10% on Your Disposal Costs

By adding Organics Recycling to your waste services needs, you can lower your overall disposal and recycling costs. Our team is always ready to assist you — don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about finding the right solution for your needs.

More Questions?

Action Environmental has over 25 years of experience collecting and processing waste and recycling in New York City and is the most awarded Commercial Waste hauler. We serve construction sites, restaurants, retail, hospitals, universities, municipal facilities, and more.