Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. In New York City, this effort to reclaim biodegradable material and divert it from landfills is managed by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) through a comprehensive, city-wide initiative. Separating these materials reduces the volume of waste sent to distant disposal sites while also cutting down on the methane gas produced when organics decompose in landfills. The city’s program represents a large-scale shift toward sustainable waste management, making participation mandatory for all residents. New Yorkers contribute directly to the city’s environmental goals by sorting their kitchen and yard waste.
DSNY Curbside Collection and Drop-Off Logistics
The foundation of the city’s organics program is the mandatory curbside collection service, now fully implemented across all five boroughs. This universal service requires all residential buildings to separate their food scraps and yard waste from regular trash and recycling. Curbside compost is collected weekly on the same day as a building’s scheduled recycling pickup, streamlining the process for residents.
For collection, all organic material must be placed in a rigid container of 55 gallons or less that has a secure, tight-fitting lid. This requirement is a public health measure designed to prevent rodents and pests from accessing the food waste. DSNY provides a free brown bin upon request, but residents may use their own container if it meets the size and secure-lid specifications. Any non-DSNY bin must be clearly labeled with a free composting decal provided by the city. Material must be set out at the curb after 6:00 PM the evening before the scheduled collection day.
For residents who prefer a different method, DSNY maintains an extensive network of drop-off options. The most technologically advanced are the Smart Composting Bins, located throughout the city and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These secure bins can be unlocked using a free mobile application, providing flexibility for residents. Smart Bins accept the full range of DSNY-approved materials, including items like meat and dairy.
In addition to the Smart Bins, the city partners with various organizations to operate Food Scrap Drop-Off Sites, often located at Greenmarkets, parks, and community gardens. These sites are generally staffed and follow specific operating hours, so residents must check the schedule before visiting. A key difference at many partner sites is their acceptance rules, which are stricter than the curbside program. These locations usually process material in smaller batches and often cannot accept meat, bones, or dairy.
Preparing and Storing Accepted Materials
The DSNY curbside program is designed to be highly inclusive, accepting all food scraps, including items often excluded from smaller community composting systems. This includes cooked or uncooked meat, bones, poultry, fish, and all dairy products. Accepted food items range from fruits and vegetables to bread, pasta, and eggshells.
The program also accepts food-soiled paper products and yard waste. Soiled items like greasy, uncoated pizza boxes, paper napkins, paper towels, and coffee filters are welcome, as processing facilities are equipped to handle these. Yard waste, such as leaves, grass clippings, and small branches bundled with twine, should be placed in the bin. If the volume exceeds the bin capacity, yard waste can be placed in a clear plastic bag.
To prevent contamination, certain common household items must stay out of the organics bin.
- All forms of metal, glass, and plastic, even if they contained food.
- Clean paper and cardboard, which belong in the regular recycling stream.
- Non-organic waste, including wrappers, pet waste, litter, diapers, medical waste, and Styrofoam.
For apartment dwellers, managing odor and pests indoors requires practical storage strategies. Residents often use a small kitchen caddy lined with a clear plastic, paper, or certified compostable bag. To reduce decomposition, odors, and fruit flies, food scraps can be stored in the freezer. Freezing the material keeps the organic matter dormant until it is ready to be deposited in the curbside bin or taken to a drop-off site.
Community and Private Composting Alternatives
While the DSNY program offers a city-wide solution, many New Yorkers utilize localized or private methods. Community gardens and smaller non-profit sites run their own composting operations, relying on volunteers and local residents. These decentralized sites typically have stricter rules on accepted inputs. Most community sites use traditional composting methods that cannot safely process meat, bones, or dairy due to pest risk and the difficulty of achieving high-heat conditions on a small scale.
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting uses specialized worms, typically red wigglers, in a small indoor bin to break down fruit and vegetable scraps into nutrient-rich castings. This method is quiet, virtually odor-free when maintained correctly, and produces a valuable soil amendment for houseplants or window boxes.
Bokashi and Private Hauling
The Bokashi system is a fermentation process, not true composting. Food scraps, including cooked food and meat, are layered in an airtight container with a microbial-rich bran. This mixture ferments the waste, preventing rot and associated odors. The resulting fermented material is highly acidic and must then be buried or processed further to become usable soil. Another alternative is subscribing to a private hauling service, where companies collect organic waste for a fee, catering to those who prioritize convenience.