NEW YORK, NY — Brooklyn residents can expect curbside composting service from October 2, fulfilling Mayor Eric Adams’ promise to host the largest such program in the nation. The initiative will reach nearly 5 million residents in Brooklyn and Queens.
Mayor Adams expressed commitment to expanding curbside composting across the city. “We’re making it easy to compost in New York City and reducing the food source for rats,” said Adams.
Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi emphasized the environmental benefits. “We’re shifting from landfill waste and greenhouse gases to renewable energy and compost,” Joshi said.
DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted the program’s ease. “Residents simply place food scraps and other compostable material in a separate bin. No sign-ups or limitations on material,” Tisch said.
Outreach efforts have been extensive. DSNY knocked on doors of one-to nine-unit buildings in Brooklyn, totaling about 250,000 residences, and sent mailers to 2.4 million residents. Free “brown bins” were provided, with nearly 50,000 requests received.
The citywide program aims to increase material diversion rates, which have remained stagnant for years. The composting program is built on efficiencies including dual-bin trucks and workforce management to reduce costs.
Service will begin in Staten Island and the Bronx on March 25, 2024, and in Manhattan on October 7, 2024. This move is part of a larger initiative that includes the installation of Smart Composting Bins and composting in New York City Department of Education schools.
