Curbside Composting FAQ - DSNY

New York City Department of Sanitation


ResidentsSchools & AgenciesGet Rid of …Containerization

Find My Collection Schedule
Trash
Recycling
Curbside Composting
Curbside Composting FAQ
Food Scrap Drop-Off
Holiday Schedule
Collection Laws for Residents

Find My Collection Schedule

Trash

Recycling

Curbside Composting

Curbside Composting FAQ

Food Scrap Drop-Off

Holiday Schedule

Collection Laws for Residents


Curbside Composting FAQ

Will Curbside Composting affect my normal collection service?

No, Curbside Composting is a separate collection service and will not affect trash or recycling collection. Compost will be collected on your recycling day. Non-recyclable large items should be set out on your trash-only collection day.

Can I put plastic bags in the compost bin?

Yes! We recommend you line your bin with a clear plastic, paper, or compostable bag to help keep it clean. Please no black plastic bags. You can also use small plastic, paper or compostable bags inside the liner to drop in your daily food scraps.

Will my compost bin smell or attract pests?

Using a bin with a secure lid and a clear plastic bag as a liner produces no more odor than when it's in the trash. In fact, frequently placing your compost into a separate container can help reduce odors in your home!

By composting, you help keep your home and neighborhood clean and healthy. When you place your food scraps and food-soiled paper in your compost bin, you reduce the chance of bags breaking open on the curb, causing litter and attracting pests.

To help keep your bin clean:

Keep the lid shut and tightly secured. Close the bin after every use.

Use a clear plastic, paper, or compostable bag to line your bin.

Drain liquids before placing material in the bin.

Use paper or baking soda at the bottom of your bin to absorb excess moisture.

Tie the bag closed before putting the bin on the curb for collection.

TIP: Put food scraps in your freezer before emptying them into your building's compost bin.

What if I don't have a compost bin?

If you don't already have a compost bin or need additional bins, you can use any labeled bin, (maximum size of 55 gallons) with a secure lid. Order a free Composting Bin label for your bin at nyc.gov/CompostingBinDecal

You can also purchase one or more brown bins at bins.nyc.

My building management doesn't want to participate. How can I compost?

All buildings with Curbside Composting service are required to compost their leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. Owners of buildings with 4+ units must provide a storage area for the collection of material.

Request a training, presentation, or site visit from DSNY at on.nyc.gov/eventrequest.

Volunteer to help manage your building's compost bin.

Find a compost drop-off location at nyc.gov/dropfoodscraps.

Direct them to a weekly DSNY training for building staff. Find a list of upcoming trainings at nyc.gov/curbsidecomposting.

I'm a NYCHA resident. How can I compost?

NYCHA residents should contact their building super.

What happens to the material collected by DSNY?

You give us your yard waste and food scraps, we turn it into compost, and then give it back! We send your compostable material to one of several processing facilities in the region, depending on where the material was collected.

Compost collected in some areas is taken to the Staten Island Compost Facility to create a natural fertilizer. We also send material to be anaerobically digested at facilities like the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to create renewable energy. Anaerobic digestion is the process of converting food scraps and yard waste into renewable energy (biogas) and fertilizer.

When this organic material goes to landfill, the biogas is released directly into the air, accelerating climate change. Using it as a renewable fuel source is substantially better, as it offsets the use of fossil fuel-derived natural gas which contributes to climate change.

A reduction of organic waste sent to landfills to use as a resource is an environmental benefit to our city.

Are Parks, Gardens, and Schools required to follow the mandatory composting rule?

Any sites that currently receive DSNY collection for recycling and trash must separate their yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper from the trash. These locations are welcome to compost their food scraps and yard waste on-site. This mandate requires that this material be separated from trash if set out for DSNY collection.

What if I use a private landscaper?

Waste generated by commercial landscapers cannot be left for DSNY collection. Landscapers must take yard waste to a permitted composting facility for proper disposal.

Are businesses required to follow the mandatory composting rule?

Any business that creates leaf and yard waste, such as a commercial landscaper, and businesses covered by the Commercial Organics Law are required to separate and dispose of organic waste separately from the trash. Learn more at nyc.gov/businessorganics.

How can I get finished compost?

To find an upcoming compost distribution event or pickup location, go to nyc.gov/getcompost. Compost pickup is currently available every Wednesday and Saturday at the Staten Island Compost Facility and our new Greenpoint Compost Giveback site.