Assemblymember William Colton has announced that curbside composting of organic waste will begin in Southwest Brooklyn on Oct. 2.
Composting offers many environmental benefits, such as reducing methane emissions from landfills and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
“By participating in composting, residents are helping the environment and also can save money,” said Colton during the announcement.
Every resident in the borough will be able to participate in the new program. Residents should put out food and yard waste on the same day they put out recycling for pickup.
“As well as all yard waste, the composting program includes food scraps and food-soiled paper such as greasy paper plates, used paper towels and napkins, and pizza boxes,” said Colton.
Food scraps include waste from fruits and vegetables, meat, bones, coffee and tea bags, dairy and leftover prepared foods. Paper products being composted should be uncoated.
Once composting begins, residents will be required to separate leaf and yard waste. Leaf and yard waste should be put into a Department of Sanitation New York brown bin, which is a labeled bin with a secure lid (55 gallons or less) or into a paper lawn and leaf bag or a clear plastic bag. Twigs and branches must be bundled with twine and set out for collection next to bins or bags.
Food waste and food-soiled paper should be set out in either a labeled bin with a secure lid (55 gallons or less) or a DSNY-supplied brown bin, said Colton. Either bin should be lined with a bag, which should be tied before putting the bin out for collection. Bags of food waste should not be put directly at the curb. Food waste can only be mixed with leaves and yard waste inside a bin with a secure lid.
Buildings with 4+ units will be required to have a storage area with clearly labeled bins available to residents.
Waste disposed of through the composting program will not be destined for the landfills. Instead, it will be used to make compost, some of which the city distributes for free to residents, or will be used to create renewable energy. R
Residents are encouraged to register for upcoming compost distribution events. Upcoming events include one at the P.S. 216 Edible School Yard, 350 Avenue X, on Sept. 10 and another at Bensonhurst Park at Cropsey Avenue and Bay Parkway on Sept. 14.
Residents can order a free lidded brown bin by Oct. 13. The Department of Sanitation guarantees bins ordered by Sept. 1 will be delivered before compost pickups begin. Composting bin decals are also available for free from the Department of Sanitation.
