This report summarizes the first two years of the NYC Organics Collection pilot from 2013 to 2015. It details DSNY's operational approach, outreach methodology, costs, participation, diversion rates and recommendations for the growth of the program. Its conclusions are clear: curbside organics collection is viable, popular and effective. As more and more households are brought into this collective effort, we are on sound footing to pursue Zero Waste and to create a more equitable, resilient and sustainable New York City.
The appendices to the 2015 NYC Organics Collection Report provides more data on the Residential Pilot Areas, District Profiles, Participating Schools, the RFID system for bin inventory, and Organics Program in other cities. It also includes a Participation Survey, Recyling Champions outreach, and a history of organics policy in NYC.
In October 2013, New York City Council passed Local Law 77, which requires the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to implement a voluntary residential organic waste curbside collection pilot program and a school organic waste collection pilot program. Local Law 77 requires the Sanitation Commissioner to report on the amount of organic waste diverted from participating households and schools. Pursuant to this requirement, DSNY submits Local Law 77 Diversion Report II, covering the period April to September 2014. Organic waste--food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste--accounts for nearly a third of New York City's residential waste stream. This organic material, while historically considered trash, is a valuable resource and can be put to beneficial use. If managed properly, it can be used to create compost, a vital soil amendment, and to generate renewable energy to heat homes or power vehicles.
Annual breakdown, by borough and Community District, of recycling and garbage tonnages collected curbside by DSNY, along with diversion and capture rates.