NYC Residents Can Now Call 311 for Compost Help as Mandatory Curbside Collection Begins
New York City residents can now call 311 to report compost collection issues or request a compost bin from their landlord. This comes as curbside composting becomes mandatory citywide, capturing a massive 5 million pounds of material each week.
Residents can place compost at home in city-provided brown or orange bins, or any bin between 10 and 55 gallons with a secure lid. Acceptable items include food waste, uncoated paper with food waste, and yard waste. Experts advise storing compostable scraps in the freezer to deter bugs and slow decomposition. Adding carbon-rich 'browns' like newspaper or wood chips can also reduce odors.
For those interested, the city offers compost soil at DSNY pickup sites, requiring online registration. Additionally, food recyclers like the Lomi or Mill can grind and dehydrate food scraps into an odorless, soil-like blend. Non-compostable items include metal, most plastics, glass, diapers, and pet poop. Independent composting programs are offered by community organizations listed on the NYC Community Compost Network website. Clear plastic bags can be used to line compost bins and will be sorted by the city's Tiger machine.
With curbside composting now mandatory, New York City residents are encouraged to participate in this effort to reduce waste and protect the environment. By following guidelines and utilizing available resources, everyone can contribute to the city's composting initiative.
Read also:
- Germany's Water Crisis: 10 Billion Cubic Meters Lost Annually
- Beachgoers should be aware that potentially lethal "flesh-consuming bacteria" can survive in coastal environments. Here are safety precautions to follow.
- Soil-to-Plant Expedition: The Ionic Trek
- Tongass Rainforest's Future Uncertain as Trump Aims to Open Logging
