Mandatory Composting: A Good Idea?

by Matthew Hampton 

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's quality of life crusades seemingly never end. 

Between smoking, trans-fats, large sodas and styrofoam, you've got to give the guy credit for target selection. When he takes on a cause he does not mess around.

His latest idea? Food waste composting for New York City — and possibly making it mandatory.

The program, which would be based on similar initiatives in places like Seattle and San Francisco, would ultimately be part of a long term goal to greatly reduce the city's dependence on landfills,according to the New York Times.

Obviously, Bloomberg himself would not be in a position to shepherd the program to that mandatory level, but some mayoral candidates — including front-runner Christine Quinn — have expressed support for the program.

What do you think? Should the city start forcing its residents to sort food waste? Or is that a bridge too far?