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curbside composting
curbside composting
We're thrilled that DSNY expanded Curbside Composting to all remaining K-12 NYC Public Schools in March 2024!
Your entire building is required to separate all food scraps, compostable plates/utensils, and food-soiled paper (e.g. napkins) from all other trash and recycling.
Schools receive ongoing support and training from NYC Public Schools Office of Energy & Sustainability. For best practices and procedures, refer to the Clean & Green Schools Guide.
Check out materials and activities to engage your school and reach out to us for further support.
Curbside Compost Expansion FAQ's
Curbside Compost Expansion FAQ's
When did or will my school start composting?
If your school is in The Bronx, Manhattan or Staten Island, check out the list of schools in Previous Expansions.
If your school is in:
Brooklyn North, check: Cohort 1 (Sep 26, 2023)
Queens East, check: Cohort 2 (Jan 8, 2024)
Queens West or Brooklyn South, check: Cohort 3 (Mar 25, 2024)
What can be composted and what are the benefits of composting?
The change in waste collections means that school buildings will be required to sort all compostable waste. This includes:
Food scraps + any uneaten food
Dirty napkins + paper towels
Cafeteria trays + utensils
Yard waste
Pencil shavings
Brown paper towels
and more!
There are many benefits of composting, some of which include creating local green jobs, a cleaner community, and better containerization of “stinky” waste. Compost helps create healthy soil, which can capture rainwater and reduce the likelihood of flooding. One of the main benefits is that it reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills, which ultimately leads to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To learn more, click here.
Do we have to participate in the curbside compost program?
Once schools receive all the materials for the curbside compost expansion and the Department of Sanitation starts the compost collection services, schools are required to participate in this initiative. This service is in addition to the mandated recycling of paper/cardboard and metal/glass/hard plastic/cartons per Local Law 41 and Chancellor’s Regulation A-850.
Other questions? Contact DSNY Schools Unit: schools@dsny.nyc.gov or NYC Public Schools Office of Energy & Sustainability: wastesupport@schools.nyc.gov.
Find and contact your district's Sustainability Specialist: Meet the Team
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