Who can participate?
All residential buildings – including single family homes, small apartment buildings, and multi-unit residential buildings – will receive weekly collection of leaf yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. This includes NYCHA residents, who may email [email protected] with questions.
What do I need to get started?
Participants can use a DSNY-issued brown bin (automatically delivered to all buildings of 10 or more units, or available to order free at nyc.gov/CurbsideComposting until
October 1) or a lidded container of their own! That’s it!
How does it work?
Participants separate leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper from trash and other recyclables and set them out each week. This includes:
ALL LEAF AND YARD WASTE of any kind, like leaves, flowers, twigs, grass clippings, and more.
- Put in a labeled bin or bag separate from the trash.
- Put in a bin (max 55 gallons) with a secure lid. Label bin with a free Composting Bin Decal — order at nyc.gov/CompostingBinDecal.
- Put in the brown bin you already have. If you don’t have one, order a free new bin by October 1, 2022.
- All buildings with 10+ units will automatically receive brown bins to get things started. It’s just that easy!
When does service start?
Service starts the week of October 3, 2022 and will run through late December when it will take a three month pause during winter when there is little yard waste for collection. Service will resume in late March 2023. DSNY will be providing weekly service.
Residents can find more information or request a brown bin at nyc.gov/CurbsideComposting. All collection schedule information will be available at that link by mid-September.
How can I help spread the word?
We need your help telling Queens residents about this service:
- Share the attached flyer in your e-newsletter and on social media.
- Request or download educational materials and signage.
- Request an outreach event for your constituents.
Find full details regarding this announcement in the press release.
About the New York City Department of Sanitation
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City clean, safe and healthy by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets. The Department runs a portfolio of programs and facilities to help New Yorkers more sustainably manage waste.
nyc.gov/sanitation
City of New York - Department of Sanitation