New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner, Basil Seggos, announced on Sunday, May 2, that “New York State Compost Awareness Week” is taking place from May 2-8. Compost Awareness Week raises awareness statewide of the environmental benefits of composting, and the declaration was formalized in a recent proclamation signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

 

Recycling food scraps, grass, leaves, yard clippings, and other organic materials through composting reduces New York’s dependence on landfills and combustors and helps to lower climate-altering emissions while producing valuable, nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health and water quality.

 

Seggos said New Yorkers are national leaders when it comes to sustainability, and effectively managing and recycling the waste we generate. “Compost awareness week is a valuable reminder of the actions we all can take to protect our shared environment,” he said. “Increasing composting helps to reduce our dependence on landfills and protect the planet from harmful methane emissions, while simultaneously harnessing the beneficial properties of organics.”

 

Seggos is encouraging all New Yorkers to consider composting, either at home or by separating organics for collection and transport to a composting facility, to help protect resources and lessen the impacts of climate change.

 

DEC representatives said organic materials make up approximately 30 percent of municipal waste. The agency estimates that more than three million tons of food scraps are disposed in landfills or managed in combustors each year, and that landfills create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

 

However, representatives said when food scraps and other organic materials are composted, no methane is produced. In addition, composting returns organic matter to the soil, improving soil health, conserving water, and decreasing erosion. Some of that compost penetrates deeper into the soil and helps to sequester or store carbon, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

According to the agency, composting can be rewarding, especially as many New Yorkers are spending more time at home during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is another way to reconnect with the earth and create something that can help plants inside and outside the home to grow. In addition, as more people turn to home gardening to provide healthy food for themselves and their families, compost is the best amendment for garden soil.

 

In the attached video, made by Elizabeth Quaranta, executive director of Friends of Mosholu Parkland (FOMP), who is also one of the principal initiators behind the Keeper’s House Edible Garden in the Norwood section of the Bronx, the concept of community gardens and composting is further discussed.

 

The Stagg Group, which provides housing stock in The Bronx and the New York City metro area, recently delivered a truck load of compost to FOMP for their gardens. The group’s representatives said it was an easy decision to support FOMP. “In fact, this is the second year Stagg has made this donation,” said Marissa Marotta, a Stagg Group representative. “While the compost is typically stretched throughout the parks for tree use, this year much of the compost is being used to build an edible garden. It’s a new project for Friends of Mosholu Parkland and the food grown in this garden will be donated to local food pantries.”

Marotta said Mark Stagg, CEO and founder of the group, values the opportunity to support the local community.

 

Meanwhile, DEC representatives said that more than 700,000 tons of organic material are processed each year in compost facilities across New York State, including at large regional composting facilities and small compost piles at schools and homes. Yard trimmings, including leaves and grass, are the most commonly accepted materials at the compost facilities.

 

In addition, some composting facilities have begun accepting food scraps, and others are also exploring doing so. Some communities have even set up drop-off locations where residents can leave their food scraps, which are later transported to a compost facility. Many gardeners have long recognized the benefits of composting their food scraps and other organics to boost soils and reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides. Compost can also be used as a mulch around plantings to hold in moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

Meanwhile, at a New York City level, curbside compost collection was suspended last year by City’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) after the pandemic hit. The agency has since announced that it will be bringing the service back in a new way. “We have learned a lot since the program started in 2013 and have made changes to improve the program’s efficiency – lowering our carbon footprint, and broadening access to composting services,” agency representatives said.

 

“Starting in August 2021, we want all New Yorkers who are interested in compost collection to let us know through a simple online form or by calling 311. [The form will be made available closer to the time.] Residents will be required to opt in to the service, allowing us to provide weekly collection where there is demand, starting in October 2021. The service will grow as demand grows,” they added.

 

In the meantime, residents are being asked to use a food scrap drop-off location or discard food scraps and yard waste with their trash. Residents with questions about their collection schedules should contact 311.

 

Norwood News reported last September how following the passage of the City’s revised, executive budget in June 2020 which restored $2.8 million to community composting for the financial year 2021, DSNY was able to reactivate all of the NYC Compost Project mid-scale, compost educational facilities, provide support to some small compost sites, and reopen some local food scrap drop-off sites throughout all five boroughs.

 

Frequently asked questions and answers about the new DSNY curbside program are outlined below.

 

How will New Yorkers be notified about the new Curbside Composting program?

In August 2021, DSNY will launch an online form allowing residents to express interest and sign up for service. DSNY will notify residents, elected officials, and community boards through the mail, through in-person outreach, and the Department’s website (nyc.gov/compost), and social media pages (@nycsanitation; @nyczerowaste).

 

I already have a brown bin – will I need to opt in to receive service?

Yes. DSNY will only be servicing addresses that have opted into the program. You will be able to opt in starting in August 2021 when the agency launches the online form or by calling 311. Service will start in October based on demand.

 

I don’t have a brown bin – can I still opt in?

Yes! Starting in August 2021, when you opt in through the online form or by calling 311, you will be able to request a bin.

 

Will nonprofits and agencies be eligible to receive curbside composting service?

Yes. Starting in August 2021, non-profit institutions and agencies who receive DSNY service can opt in to receive weekly curbside collection service. Agencies and institutions should also use the online form to express interest and sign up.

 

What about schools?

School curbside composting service resumes in the 2021-2022 school year for schools that had this service prior to the COVID-related suspension.

DSNY is not expanding school curbside composting service at this time. Visit the NYC Compost Project for resources to compost at your school.

 

What if my apartment building refuses to opt into the program?

DSNY still wants to hear from you! When the agency launches the online form in August 2021, please sign up to express interest and DSNY will work with you to recruit your building.

If the agency finds a large number of residents in a neighborhood who want curbside compost collection, but their buildings will not sign up, DSNY will work to set up a food scrap drop-off site in that area.

 

Will you be adding more food scrap drop-off sites in areas without curbside service?

Yes! DSNY is working to open food scrap drop-off locations in every district, especially where there is no curbside service. Check out the map for locations and updates: nyc.gov/dropfoodscraps

 

Where can I take my food scraps and yard waste until my curbside composting service starts?

Food Scrap Drop-off Sites are operating, find one near you here.

Residents are encouraged to make compost on their own, if they have the space to do so. Learn how to compost by downloading PDFs of educational materials from nyc.gov/recyclingmaterials in the Food Scraps + Yard Waste section.

If you have questions about setting up your own compost system, email nyccompostproject@dsny.nyc.gov.

 

What should I do with my brown bin if I don’t want to opt in? Can it be returned or picked up by DSNY?

Brown compost bins belong to the address they were originally delivered to. DSNY will not collect brown bins.

 

Separately, Norwood News recently reported how residents can now also request a clothes bin from the Department of Sanitation for their local office or residential building should they wish to participate in the City’s separate refashionNYC recycling program. The free and convenient clothing donation and recycling service incorporates clothing bin pick-up appointments to suit participants’ schedules.

 

Meanwhile, DEC officials say New York State Compost Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognize the benefits of composting and promote composting organics from homes, businesses, and schools. For additional information visit DEC’s organic recycling page.

 

Those interested in joining Keeper’s House Edible Garden can send an email to mosholuparkland@gmail.com.