Brown bins were being delivered to locals the week before Christmas who had signed up, and the deliveries are continuing. The curbside compost rollout is targeting communities who reach a target number of sign ups so they can ensure there will be enough material set out for the trucks to pick up.
I signed up in August 9, on November 29 I received an email informing me, “Unfortunately, we are not able to bring service to [your address] just yet (but we are working on it!). This may be due to low sign up in your area, missing information on the application, necessary pending approvals from your building management, or just needing to get you on an efficient route. We are adding service on a rolling basis every month, and will let you know when pickups will expand to your home.” On December 15, I was notified that I would receive my bin within two weeks.
Multi-unit apartment buildings must have management approval. Ask your building management or board members to sign up: www.nyc.gov/curbsidecomposting Once you receive your bin you are advised to write your address on it. All food waste can go into the bin including: 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). Yard and Plant Waste including: leaves, spent flowers and trimmings, small twigs, and grass clippings. The NYC Department of Sanitation advises that you line your compost bin with a clear plastic bag to keep it clean, and when you put it out on collection day tie the bag and hang the knotted end outside of the bin and lock the top.
As compostable material makes up 1/3 of local trash, composting would reduce what goes into the landfill by 33%. The finished compost made from food and yard waste nourishes our soil for healthier parks and gardens.
The Greenline 