NYC Launches Citywide Curbside Composting: What Manhattan Residents Need to Know

Hello! This is Maegami from the blog Megami no Maegami. Today I’d like to share some important news for all New Yorkers:

Starting October 6, 2024, New York City is rolling out its curbside composting program citywide—including Manhattan for the very first time.

This new initiative is a major step toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. In this article, I’ll explain how the program works, what items are accepted, and why this matters for residents.

Until now, I had to carry my food scraps to a compost bin in a nearby park!

🛒 Recommended composting bags → Amazon link
🛒 Recommended compost bin → Amazon link

What Is NYC’s Curbside Composting Program?

According to Mayor Eric Adams and Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch, NYC will begin free weekly collection of food scraps and yard waste across all five boroughs this October.

The program first proved successful in Brooklyn and Queens and will now finally expand into Manhattan. Food waste and soiled paper will be collected in brown compost bins and later turned into compost or renewable biogas.

(Source: NYC Department of Sanitation)

What Can Be Composted?

Here’s what you can put in your compost bin:

• Food waste: vegetable and fruit peels, eggshells, leftovers
• Food-soiled paper: pizza boxes, napkins, paper towels
• Yard waste: grass clippings, leaves, small branches

Not accepted: plastics, glass, or regular recyclables—these should still go out on your normal recycling day.

How to Prepare Your Food Waste

• Use the official brown compost bin provided by the city
• Store food waste inside to avoid odors and pests
• Place the bin at your curb the night before collection day

This system helps keep NYC streets cleaner and prevents rats and insects from spreading.

Collection Schedule

Each neighborhood’s collection schedule will be announced by the NYC Department of Sanitation. Be sure to check their website or mailers for your pickup day.

Following the schedule ensures efficient service and keeps our city sanitary.

Why This Program Matters

By joining this program, residents will contribute to:

• Environmental protection: less landfill waste, more compost and renewable energy
• Cleaner streets: reduced litter and rodent problems
• Energy efficiency: food waste converted into biogas helps power the city sustainably

Conclusion

With the launch of Manhattan’s curbside composting program, New York City is taking a significant step toward sustainability.

By separating and properly disposing of food scraps, every resident can play a role in keeping NYC cleaner, greener, and healthier.

So, prepare your compost bin, and let’s make this program a success together!