As the longest-running community compost program in New York City, the Ecology Center has led the way in providing New Yorkers with free food scrap drop-off opportunities since 1990. Composting reduces our reliance on landfills and generates finished compost, which is essential in building healthy soils and growing a healthy ecosystem.
Compost
Food scrap drop-off site at Union Square Greenmarket.
Compost With Us!
What can I drop off?
- We accept: Fruit and vegetable scraps, nongreasy food scraps (e.g., rice, pasta, bread, grains, cereal), coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, eggshells and nut shells, stale beans, flours, spices, cut flowers, houseplants, and potting soil
- Do NOT bring: Meat, fish, bones, dairy, fat, oil, greasy food scraps, animal waste, animal bedding, charcoal, insect-infested plants, plastics, twist ties, rubber bands, metal, or glass
How do I store my food scraps before bringing them to you?
We recommend collecting your food scraps in reusable containers, paper bags, or recycled plastic bags. To reduce odors and fruit flies, store items in the freezer or refrigerator. A layer of shredded newspaper at the bottom of your storage container also helps absorb any excess moisture.
I’m a business. Can I bring you our food scraps?
We accept food waste from households only. No businesses or other commercial generators may drop off. Contact a commercial waste hauler to learn about your options.
I’m a steward of a community green space. Do you offer free compost?
Yes, we provide free compost to individuals and groups that maintain community green spaces, including street tree beds, parks, community gardens, schools, and faith-based institutions. To find out if we can meet your needs, please fill out our compost donation inquiry form. We’re here to support your efforts in creating and sustaining vibrant green spaces!
Process
Collection
We collect food scraps from NYC residents at food scrap drop-off sites. We set up these sites in public spaces during specific days and times when residents can bring us their food scraps.
Transporting
We pick up the bins from the food scrap drop-off sites and deliver the materials to our compost processing site using one of our box trucks.
Processing of materials
Once the materials arrive on site, we remove any contaminants such as plastics and other non-compostable items. The food scraps are mixed with wood chips and formed into windrows (aka a compost pile!).
Managing compost piles
Our skid steer turns the piles regularly to help facilitate the decomposition process.
Finished compost use
Once the materials are fully decomposed, the compost is screened and ready to be used as a soil amendment in parks, gardens, and other green spaces.