New York City is running "Debt Demolisher," a program that helps small businesses and homeowners reduce unpaid city fines. It waives interest on unpaid Environmental Control Board (ECB) judgments and lets participants settle them at a discounted amount. The program runs through Jan. 10, 2027.
New York City is running the "Debt Demolisher" program, which helps small businesses and homeowners reduce unpaid city fines. Announced by the Mayor's Office on Oct. 13, the program waives accrued interest on eligible unpaid amounts and allows them to be settled at a discounted amount. The 90-day application period runs from Oct. 13 through Jan. 10, 2027.
The program covers unpaid fines finalized through Environmental Control Board (ECB) judgments. These include summonses issued by agencies such as the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Buildings and the Department of Transportation, covering a wide range of violations from building code violations to illegally dumped mattresses. The city expects to collect about $25 million that would otherwise be unlikely to be collected. The announcement did not specify discount rates or caps.
Exclusions
All ECB judgments are eligible, with some exceptions. Excluded are judgments docketed in court after July 15, 2026; judgments included in settlements with the Sheriff's Office, the city marshals, the Law Department or their contractors; judgments issued on the basis of citizen complaints (such as idling and noise); judgments whose enforcement has been referred to the Sheriff's Office or a marshal; judgments converted to tax liens; and judgments subject to a criminal investigation. Participants must also correct any open violations tied to the judgment.
How to apply
You can check eligibility and read the frequently asked questions at nyc.gov/debtdemolisher, then resolve the judgment. You can also call 311, visit a Department of Finance (DOF) Business Center, or contact the collections unit through DOF's online services (eServices). The city said participants who settle their balances through this process can also avoid additional fines in the future.