Madison Square Park Embraces a Cleaner Tomorrow with New Waste Systems

Madison Square Park, the iconic green oasis in the heart of Manhattan, reached a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability with the recent installation of state-of-the-art Big Belly waste systems.

This achievement was celebrated on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together community members, city officials, and park enthusiasts.

The double-bin units, equipped with solar-powered compactors to reduce bag changes, are poised to revolutionize how Madison Square Park handles its waste. The enclosed trash and recycling bins keep vermin out and litter in, and send real-time data to park maintenance teams when a unit is full, enabling more efficient waste collection.

Though just over six acres, Madison Square Park collects over 1,000 pounds of waste per day. “Today, we take a significant step towards a greener and cleaner park,” said Holly Leicht, Executive Director of Madison Square Park Conservancy. “These new systems are but one important accomplishment in our ongoing commitment to more sustainable park stewardship.”

Madison Square Park, one of the city’s few parks that recycles, is committed to helping neighbors reduce their waste as well. In partnership with GrowNYC, the park hosts a weekly food scrap drop-off for composting. Park volunteers known as Waste Warriors help separate trash at Conservancy events to minimize what ends up in landfill.

“Our team witnesses the effects of climate change every day in the park,” said Leicht. “Setting new standards for sustainability is essential for our park and our planet.” The Conservancy hopes to become a model for sustainable practices that extend beyond the park’s borders.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was also a testament to the power of neighborhood stewardship, as all funds collected for this new system were contributed as part of a community campaign to raise funds for the new trash system.

“Many people don’t realize that Madison Square Park receives no operating funds from the City. 100% of the funds needed to maintain and program the park come from private contributions,” said Leicht. “These state-of-the-art trash and recycling bins are here thanks to our community’s commitment to making Madison Square park the cleanest, greenest park in New York City.”

If you’d like to support Madison Square Park, become a Mad. Friend today. Memberships start at $50 per year, and include exclusive perks such as members-only tours and events, park swag, and more.