Organic Waste Pilot Program Coming To The Area

The Department of Sanitation announced on Wednesday that Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope will soon be added to the city’s organic waste collection pilot program. Already operating in Staten Island, the pilot allows residents in single-family homes to place food scraps, food soiled paper, and small amounts of yard waste in special bins provided by the city that will be picked up on recycling day. The organic waste will be composted and used to fertilize local gardens, parks, and street trees.

If you live north of Caton Avenue, you will be eligible to participate. If you live in a multi-unit home, it is still possible to take part in the pilot, but your building must go through a fairly extensive process to determine eligibility.

The pilot is set to kick off in October, and starter kits, which include a brown organics bin, a small kitchen container, and a starter supply of DSNY-approved compostable liners will be delivered to participating homes.

For more information on the program, and tips for participating homes, visit the NYC Recycles page.

For those of you in the pilot zone, what do you think about the program? Will your home participate?

Map via DSNY