NYC's Comprehensive Compost Collection Program: What You Need to Know
New York City's curbside organics collection is making a comeback, and it's shaping up to be the most comprehensive program the city has seen to date. If you've been feeling guilty about tossing food scraps into the regular trash, here's some good news: not only is the curbside compost pick-up back, but it's now free, year-round, and will soon be available citywide.
As of now, the program is open to all Queens residents, and it's set to expand to all Brooklyn residents starting on October 2nd. The Bronx and Staten Island are slated to join the program in March 2024, with Manhattan following suit in October of the same year.
Belinda Mager, director of communications at NYC’s Department of Sanitation, emphasizes the program's simplicity: "Just put anything from your kitchen or garden into a separate bin, place it out on your recycling day, and we will pick it up and turn it into compost or clean energy."
Starting in spring 2025, compost sorting will become mandatory, and fines for non-compliance will be enforced as follows: For one to eight residential dwelling units, fines range from $25 (first offense) to $100 (third offense). For nine or more residential dwelling units, the fines range from $100 (first offense) to $400 (third offense).
How Is This Program Different?
This program differs from previous iterations in a significant way: there's no longer a signup requirement, and you're not obligated to use a DSNY brown bin. While brown bins are available for residents who need them, you can use your own container, as long as it has a lid and holds less than 55 gallons. You can even get a free decal from the city to label your DIY bin.
Why Should You Compost Food Scraps?
Mager explains, "When organic material is sent to landfill, it gives off greenhouse gases as it decomposes; that’s bad for the environment." Additionally, Mayor Eric Adams highlights the benefits: "By reducing the food waste that we put into trash bags, our streets will look better, smell better, and best of all, will be dealing a blow to NYC’s number one enemy: rats."
NYC has been working to divert organic waste through composting since 1993 when the NYC Compost Project was established. In 2013, Mayor Bloomberg mandated a small-scale organic waste collection pilot program, which later expanded into the largest composting program in the country during Mayor de Blasio's tenure. Unfortunately, the pandemic temporarily halted these efforts.
What Food Scraps Can You Compost?
The city's collection program accepts a wide range of food scraps, including fruit and veggie scraps, eggshells, and even dirty paper napkins. Here's the complete list:
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Shells (seafood, nut, and egg)
Bones
Spoiled and expired food
Food-soiled paper (napkins, towels, uncoated plates, bags, trays, boxes)
What Food Scraps Can You NOT Compost?
However, some items are off-limits for composting, including fat or cooking grease, human and animal waste, and the following:
Diapers and hygienic products
Wrappers and packaging
Foam products
Recyclables, such as metal, glass, rigid plastic, beverage cartons, clean recyclable paper, and cardboard
Where to Drop Off Compost If Pick-Up Isn't Available Yet
If curbside pick-up isn't available in your area, traditional food scrap drop-off locations are still an option. Various organizations across the city, including Big Reuse and GrowNYC, accept food scraps at designated locations. The Department of Sanitation also provides a list of drop-off locations in every borough. Be sure to check the specific hours and availability for your location.
Moreover, NYC is introducing a network of approximately 400 Smart Composting Bins, accessible 24/7 through a free app for iOS or Android phones. These bins even accept meat and dairy, which many traditional collection sites don't.
