Composting is an essential process that has many benefits for the environment and the community. It helps reduce waste, improve soil health, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, New York has struggled to maintain its composting skills due to a lack of funding and the impact of COVID-19. However, from the start of this year, the city has recently introduced Smart Curbside Compost Bins, which are expanding and available in most parts of New York. These orange bins are accessible 24/7 through an app and are free to use.

what are the benefits of composting in New York?

Composting is a crucial process that turns food waste into compost, which is essential for maintaining soil health and reducing waste. Composting also reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers, promoting the consumption of organic fruits and vegetables. According to research, about 1/3 of New York City's waste is food waste, which could have been composted to benefit the environment. Composting is also beneficial for the climate as it reduces carbon emissions generated by transporting trash over long distances and methane emissions from anaerobic decomposition of food waste in landfills. Moreover, it helps convert waste into a resource as the compost produced can be used as a valuable fertilizer that replenishes soil nutrients and promotes plant growth. Organizations such as GrowNYC collect food scraps, which are then converted into compost and distributed for free to community gardens, urban farms, parks, and street tree beds. This initiative helps keep it local and supports various partners such as the NYC Compost Project host sites, Big Reuse, Earth Matter, Lower East Side Ecology Center, Queens Botanical Garden, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, and Waste Management.

what are Smart Curbside Compost Bins and why are they important? 🍄

The Smart Curbside Compost Bin is an innovative solution to reduce waste and promote sustainable living in New York City. These bright orange bins are easily recognizable and accessible through an app, which is a convenient way for New Yorkers to dispose of their organic waste. By diverting food scraps from landfills and turning them into compost, Smart Curbside Compost Bins contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health. They are solar-powered and designed to prevent rats from scavenging through food waste on the streets, making it a safer and healthier environment for everyone. By using these bins, New Yorkers can contribute to a cleaner and greener city while promoting a circular economy where waste is turned into resources. These bins also offer an opportunity for residents to actively participate in composting and promote environmental sustainability in their community.

so, how does the Smart Compost Bin work?

The Smart Compost Bin is an innovative and convenient solution to reduce waste and promote sustainable living in New York City. To access the bin, you need to download the app from the QR code on its exterior. Once you unlock it, you can easily dispose of your food waste anytime, as the orange Smart Bin is available 24/7. With solar panels on top, the bin is also environmentally friendly and doesn't emit any odors (yes, I sniffed it to make sure it didn’t smell). It's collected weekly and the food waste is turned into renewable energy. By using the NYC Compost app, you can locate Smart Compost Bins near you and check their availability before heading out.

Composting is crucial for reducing waste in the city and making it a safer and cleaner place for everyone. By diverting food scraps from trash bags and landfills, we reduce the risk of rats going through our trash at night and avoid spillage on the streets and sidewalks. With the Smart Compost Bins convenient and accessible design, these bins offer an opportunity for residents to actively participate in composting and promote environmental sustainability in their community. Let's work together to make our city greener, cleaner and reduce waste for a better future!

what can you compost?

To effectively compost, it's essential to know what items can be composted. Luckily, composting is an easy process that can be done with a variety of items. Some examples of items that can be composted include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and tea bags. Non-greasy food scraps such as rice, pasta, bread, grains, and cereal can also be added to compost. Additionally, cut flowers and houseplants, soiled brown paper products, and potting soil can be composted as well. By composting these organic and biodegradable materials, they can be broken down into nutrient-rich soil amendments that can improve soil health and support plant growth.

If you don't have a container to carry your compost to the Smart Bin, you can use compostable green bags from grocery stores like Trader Joe's to collect your food waste. This is a convenient way to ensure that your food scraps don't go to waste and can be properly composted. By using compostable bags and composting a variety of organic materials, we can all play our part in reducing waste and promoting sustainable living in their communities.

what can’t you compost?

Dairy, fat, oil, greasy food scraps, animal poop, charcoal, coconuts, plastics, twist ties, rubber bands, receipts, insect-infested plants, vines, excavated soil. Anything that would

cause and create bacteria and odor can’t be composted!

how to compost in a small space or an apartment?

If you live in a small space or an apartment, composting can still be an option. One way to do this is by using a small compostable bag when you begin your day to collect your food scraps. You can then take the bag to a Smart Compost Bin nearby, which can be easily accessed through the app. This way, you can avoid any unpleasant smells in your apartment while still contributing to a sustainable lifestyle. Another option is to use a small indoor compost bin specifically designed for small spaces or apartments. These bins are usually compact and odor-free, making them perfect for indoor use. With a little effort and creativity, composting can be a simple and rewarding practice, even in a small space.

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Composting is not just an act of sustainability, but it also benefits our immediate living conditions. By utilizing the Smart Compost Bins in New York, we can reduce the waste that spills onto our streets and support the growth of our city's plants. Let's take advantage of this opportunity and start working together towards a cleaner future. Thanks to Eric Adams' decision to invest in this initiative, we can all do our part to contribute to the greater good. By the end of 2024, the Smart Bins will be accessible throughout all five boroughs, and we should all embrace this opportunity to help Mother Nature bloom. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. 🤍 🦋 🧚🏼 🌿 🌏

RECOMMENDED READS

DSNY: Drop-Off Composting

GrowNYC: Compost

NYC Gov: Expanding Curbside Composting

The Spruce: What to Compost vs What Not to Compost