New York City collects 5.9M pounds of compostable material

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has broken its composting record, with residents separating and setting out more than 5.9 million pounds of food and yard waste the first week of November—the city’s highest level of separated compostable material collected curbside. 

DSNY says it picks up compostables, including leaf and yard waste, food scraps and food-soiled paper, from residents on recycling day. No sign-up is required, and residents can use any bin sized 55 gallons or less with a secure lid.

The 5.9 million pounds of material collected from Nov. 9-15 broke the city’s previous record of 5.4 million pounds collected from May 18-24. 

RELATED: DSNY opens third compost distribution site amid ‘massive’ increase in organics collected 

The department says material collected in DSNY's curbside composting program is either turned into finished compost for parks and gardens or into renewable energy to heat local homes and businesses. This year, DSNY says it gave more than 8 million pounds of finished compost to residents through a network of four giveback sites and many pop-up events across the five boroughs.

The curbside composting program went citywide in October 2024, and the department says Staten Island has produced the most compostable material per capita, with roughly 1 pound per person, per week. Queens residents have produced the most compostable material overall, with more than 61 million pounds total in the first year. 

DSNY reminds New Yorkers that extra leaf and yard waste can be put in a paper lawn and leaf bag or a clear plastic bag. Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine and placed next to bins and bags.