Int 0864-2026

Int. No. 864-A By Council Members Epstein, Hanif, Aldebol, Banks, Cab�n and Wilson ..Title A Local Law in relation to establishing a pilot program for collecting dog feces at dog runs for the purpose of composting ..Body Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. a. Definitions. For purposes of this local law, the following terms have the following meanings: Composting. The term "composting" means the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic material for production of stable soil amendments. Dog run. The term "dog run" means an enclosed area of a park under the jurisdiction of the department of parks and recreation designated for use by a pet dog without use of a leash or other restraint. Dog run group. The term "dog run group" means a volunteer-led group of individuals that, through an agreement with the commissioner of parks and recreation, is responsible for the maintenance of at least 1 dog run. b. Pilot program. The commissioner of parks and recreation, in consultation with the commissioner of sanitation, shall establish a pilot program to designate any dog run group with experience in managing dog runs to collect dog feces at any dog run for the purpose of composting. As part of such program, such dog run groups shall: 1. Install and maintain equipment necessary for the collection and composting of dog feces, including, but not limited to, collection bins and self-contained composting vessels, provided that when requested by such dog run groups, the commissioner of parks and recreation shall provide and install such equipment and provide any training on the usage of such equipment, within 120 days of such request; 2. Consult with the commissioner of parks and recreation to provide information to visitors of dog runs and parks about the benefits of composting dog feces and instructions on how to properly compost dog feces; and 3. Make best efforts to collect dog feces at the dog run for the purposes of composting. c. Duration. The pilot program shall begin on or before March 15, 2027, and have a duration of no less than 3 years. d. Report. On or after March 15, 2030, but before September 15, 2030, the commissioner of parks and recreation shall, in consultation with the commissioner of sanitation, submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council, and post on the department of parks and recreation's website, a report regarding the pilot program. The commissioner of parks and recreation shall make best efforts to coordinate with each dog run group designated pursuant to subdivision b of this local law to complete such report. Such report shall include the following information, to the extent it is available to the commissioner of parks and recreation: 1. The estimated number of pounds of dog feces collected; 2. The estimated number of pounds of dog feces actually composted; 3. A description of where the compost containing dog feces was or may be used; 4. An analysis of the impact of the pilot program on the presence of dog feces left on the ground in dog runs; 5. Any challenges experienced by a designated dog run group during the implementation of the pilot program; and 6. Recommendations on whether to expand the pilot program. e. Within 90 days of the effective date of this local law, the commissioner of parks and recreation shall provide written notice to each dog run group that maintains a dog run. Such notice shall include information about the pilot program and how such a group may apply to engage in such pilot program. � 2. This local law takes effect immediately. TBM/KS LS #22179 7/29/26 3:05PM 1 1