Massive New Composting Program Kicks Off In Queens

QUEENS — One of the largest waste composting programs in the country’s history launched this month in the borough of Queens.

The city's Sanitation department began collecting compost bins full of food scraps on Oct. 3 as part of a borough-wide composting program announced by Mayor Eric Adams in August.

The program connects 2.2 million Queens residents to composting facilities with minimal fuss, officials said. Queensters don't have to sign up and buildings with 10 or more units received composting bins for free.

Buildings with less than 10 units can request bins from the Sanitation department, which said Wednesday they still some up for grabs.

Residents in Astoria told The Guardian this week they think the composting program is long overdue in Queens.

Barbara Alafogianis told The Guardian, “I just think it’s wonderful to be able to get rid of that in a way that doesn’t add to our landfill."

Lou Reyes reportedly praised the program for the lack of an application process, adding , “When it’s easier, it’s a lot more attractive for people.”

Currently, only a few community boards in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx can participate in composting.

Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch told Spectrum News NY1 there's another benefit to separating out organic waste into sealable plastic bins instead of letting it sit in plastic bags.

“Today, that organic material goes in the black trash bags, where it’s commingled with all the other household trash, and it sits on the curbs, serving, as we said before, an all-you-can-eat buffet for rats,” Tisch told Spectrum News NY1.

"Most people don't think of composting as a rat mitigation technique, it's actually one of our best."