New York City officially launched the nation’s largest citywide composting program on September 7, 2024, marking a major milestone in the city’s sustainability efforts. The program, which provides weekly organic waste collection for all five boroughs, is expected to divert over one million tons of food scraps and yard waste from landfills annually. By turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, the initiative aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support urban agriculture.
“New York is leading the way in sustainability,” said Mayor Eric Adams at the launch event in Queens. Residents will receive free composting bins as part of the program, along with access to educational workshops to encourage participation and raise awareness about the environmental benefits of composting.
Environmental advocates praised the initiative as a game-changer in reducing the city’s carbon footprint. “This is a bold step toward making NYC a zero-waste city,” said Linda Morales, a local climate activist. Pilot programs in neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Staten Island had already shown strong participation, paving the way for the citywide rollout.
As the program begins, city officials hope to make composting as routine as recycling, transforming the way New Yorkers manage waste. The initiative is part of the city’s broader climate goals, which include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
