NYC mandates composting: What to know and the best compost bins to curb waste
Composting — a term used and promoted by the environmentally minded, but not something all of us are all-knowing about.If you’re a New York City resident, however, you should probably begin getting familiar with it.As of October 2024, compositing was mandated in all five boroughs, which means most residents should be separating scraps from their trash in an effort to reduce the environmental impact — and yes, curb the city’s notorious rat problem, too.The Big Apple doesn’t have the best track record with trash collection; complaints are common, with gripes over sidewalk trash skyrocketing about 30% last year.The City Council’s new composting measure was rolled out as a strategic element of the Big Apple’s war on rats, according to Gotham’s Department of Sanitation.“Curbside composting fights rats and helps the planet,” Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement.
The agency explained that food scraps, garden waste, and food-soiled paper would be collected on regular recycling days year-round as a part of the new program.Of course, mandate or not, composting is an effective way to promote a healthier environment in your garden and beyond.With spring about to take bloom, it’s sustainability’s shining moment — an opportunity to reduce the amount of waste your household creates and reduce your carbon footprint.
That starts with selecting the right compost bin.You’ll want to factor in the size of your family and the amount of waste you produce, as well as whether you want an indoor compost bin or an outdoor compost bin to take care of your waste.Some may prefer an electric compost bin, to save the time, hassle, and mess of rotating their waste.Now that the color green is in mind, it’s time to talk with the experts.
The New York Post turned to Rick Carr, farm director and master composter at Rodale Institute, for a beginner’s guide on composting — along with learning about the best compost bins to shop for your backyard.C...