Request a bin by September 1 to get it in time!
For over a year Brooklyn Community Board 1 (BkCB1) had the opportunity to register for weekly compost pick up. One registered, got a bin, received their composting day of the week, and were reminded by text and email when to put your bin out.
On October 2 all of Brooklyn will get curbside composting. You don’t have to register. Compost pickup will happen on your recycling day.
Those who need a bin should request one by September 1 to ensure it arrives on time. However you can order one up until October 13, 2023 at this link: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/site/contact/curbside-composting. These bins have a locking lid that prevents rats and pests from getting inside. You may also use your own receptacle that is labeled; order labels from NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY): https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/site/services/food-scraps-and-yard-waste-page/brooklyn-composting
An unofficial competition as to which neighborhood is ordering the most bins is featured on DSNY’s social media. “As of August 27, 23,000+ of you have already ordered a brown compost bin! Flatbush/Marine Park/Canarsie is in the lead, but there’s still time for other neighborhoods to catch up,” stated their Instagram.
What is accepted as curbside compost? ALL leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. This includes meat, bones, dairy, prepared foods, spoiled food, and greasy uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes.
What don’t you compost? Do not compost trash such as diapers, personal hygiene products, animal waste, wrappers, non-paper packaging, and foam products. Do not compost recyclable materials.
To inspire more to participate, DSNY has made composting more user-friendly.
“We removed the complex requirements of previous programs and made it simple: Just give us anything from your kitchen or anything from your garden in our bin — or in your bin — once a week on your recycling day, and we’ll come pick it up,” said a DSNY spokesperson
DSNY is hoping the simplicity of this program will bring widespread participation, and therefore reduce the food waste that has been going into trash bags. “Making our streets look better and smell better, while dealing a blow to the City’s rats.”
One of the changes is that clear plastic bags are allowed to line the compost bins. This cuts down on cleaning the bin. When you set your bin out on your collection day, you tie the bag and lock the lid.
“Every resident will be required to compost leaf and yard waste as soon as universal Curbside Composting comes to their borough – that’s October 2 for Brooklyn residents. Owners of all buildings with 4+ units will be required to provide a storage area for the collection of yard waste,” said Vincent Gragnani, DSNY press secretary.
He also offered some best practices for composting.
“We recommend freezing compost and/or using a plastic liner, along with making sure that your bin’s lid is securely shut. This cuts off the smells that attract pests in the first place, and by using a secure bin as opposed to just putting a garbage bag on the curb you’re also making your food much more inaccessible to those same pests. Adding things like baking soda, or draining liquids before adding material to your bin can also help to reduce odors. Also, if you don’t want to hold your scraps for a week, you can also use one of our drop-off sites (including our roughly 400 Smart Compost Bins), all of which can be found at nyc.gov/dropfoodscraps.”
If a pick up is missed call 311. “Leave your material on the curb, and we will collect it. We would also encourage you to follow us on social media at @NYCsanitation for updates on City holidays and winter snow operations that could impede collection.”
For more information go to: nyc.gov/CurbsideComposting!
The Greenline 