In New York, composting is now compulsory

Since 1 April, New Yorkers have had to separate food waste for recycling or face a fine of up to $300. It’s part of the city’s efforts to tackle climate change. When organic waste ends up in landfill, it breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. New York is putting its food waste to use instead. It’s either composted and turned into fertilizer or emptied into a ‘biodigester', where it emits biogas that’s used to generate renewable energy.