Waste Prevention Classes

Waste programs encourage residents to explore the waste that we create and come up with ideas of how to turn waste into a resource for greening the city. Workshop topics include composting, the food cycle, and waste prevention. Read below for full class descriptions.

NYC Compost Project in Manhattan

The Lower East Side Ecology Center operates the NYC Compost Project in Manhattan, a compost education and outreach program funded by the NYC Department of Sanitation, Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling. Check out the NYC WasteLess calendar for upcoming composting workshops (select “Organic Waste” category under “Browse Events”).

Working with residents, public schools, community gardens, and organizations, the NYC Compost Project in Manhattan offers free workshops on both indoor and outdoor composting, and provides technical assistance to gardens, buildings, and institutions who wish to compost. Please see our calendar for a list of free workshops or contact us through the Compost Hotline. Learn More.

Reclaiming the Food Cycle (a.k.a Hummus to Humus)

The Ecology Center has developed a workshop to address the full cycle of food production, consumption, waste-to-resource conversion and community gardening. Participants learn about where our food comes from, healthy eating, composting, and using compost as a resource to grow more food or beautify their community. Participants will have the opportunity to plan a composting and food growing system for their school.

Waste Prevention

The Waste Prevention Classes teach participants about the many ways to reduce waste in their everyday lives, including at home, work, or school. Students learn about the differences between “needed” and “wanted” products, as well as how to make conscious consumer choices. The Ecology Center also provides participants with local resources for recycling, reuse, and reducing their impacts.