Crown Heights Gets Smart Composting Bins

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Smart Composting bins have been popping up all over Brooklyn in recent weeks, first in Bed-Stuy, then in Prospect Heights.

But until recently, there was a big gap visible in the NYC Compost App's map: Crown Heights.

On social media, one resident described the lack of composting bins in Crown Heights as "a gaping hole."

But now, at least parts of North Crown Heights have access to over 25 public Smart Composting bins, according to a map on the NYC Compost app, which users need to access the bins.

A DSNY spokesperson confirmed the installation of the Smart Composting Bins in Brooklyn after the first wave hit Bed-Stuy earlier this month.

"As promised in August, we are in the process of installing Smart Composting Bins citywide," the official said.

Nearly every other avenue in Crown Heights between Atlantic Avenue and Eastern Parkway has at least some of the new bins. Bedford, Nostrand, Brooklyn, Troy, Utica, Buffalo and Howard Avenues lack bins. There are no bins east of Ralph Avenue.

The bins look like traditional "Big Belly" solar trash compactors, but are clad in a distinct DSNY orange and require the use of a smartphone to open.

NYC Compost, the free app needed to operate the bins, is available for Android and iOS.

A list of what items can be composted, typically all organic food and plant waste, can be found on the side of the bin as well as on the NYC Compost app.

Mayor Eric Adams and Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch have long held that, in addition to being a win for the environment, composting would play a central role in the city's "war on rats," a strategy that most experts agree would significantly impact rodent populations.

By removing food scraps from the main waste stream, composting greatly reduces the amount of food available for rodents to munch on.

Back in August, Adams and Tisch announced a plan to roll out the Smart Composting Bins throughout the five boroughs, stating that they had already installed 250 bins across the city since the start of 2022 — higher than the previous goal of 100 bins — and announced the installation of 250 more.

"Mayor Adams tasked us with developing a new program that would be effective, affordable, and equitable," said Tisch back in August. "We looked at what had worked in the past, as well as what hadn't, and developed a smart, innovative solution that is going to be easier for the people of New York City, harder for rats, and better for the planet."