Composting in the Concrete Jungle: What Can (and Can't) Go in Your NYC Compost Bin
New Yorkers, we're known for a lot of things: our love for pizza, our ability to navigate the subway system blindfolded, and our uncanny knack for turning a small apartment into a jungle of houseplants. But composting? That's a whole new ball game. Let's dive into the wonderful world of NYC composting, shall we?
What Goes In? A Compostable Conundrum
So, you've decided to join the composting crusade. Bravo! You're officially a greener New Yorker. But what exactly can you toss into that magical brown bin? Well, let's start with the good news: you can pretty much compost everything. Yep, you read that right. Meat, bones, dairy, greasy pizza boxes – it's all fair game. NYC's composting system is a black hole of food waste, sucking in everything from last night's dinner to that moldy avocado you swore you'd eat.
But wait, there's a catch! While the Smart Bins and drop-off sites are happy to accept your kitchen scraps with open arms, community gardens and greenmarkets might have different rules. These places typically prefer to stick to the classics: fruits, veggies, eggshells, coffee grounds, and the like. So, if you're composting at home, go wild. But if you're dropping off your scraps at a community garden, play it safe and stick to the basics.
What Doesn't Go In? A Compostable Conundrum (Part 2)
Okay, let's talk about what doesn't belong in your compost bin. First and foremost, please, for the love of all that is holy, do not compost diapers, pet waste, or plastic labeled as "biodegradable" or "compostable." These items don't break down properly and can contaminate the compost. Also, avoid putting large amounts of liquids in your bin, as this can create a smelly mess.
Tips for Composting in NYC
- Embrace the smell: Composting can get a little funky, but don't let that deter you. Just remember to empty your bin regularly and rinse it out with hot water.
- Layer it up: For optimal composting, layer your food scraps with brown materials like dried leaves or shredded newspaper.
- Be patient: Compost takes time to break down, so don't expect instant results.
- Get creative: You can use your compost to fertilize your houseplants, start a community garden, or even create your own compost tea.
How To... Compost Like a Pro
- How to reduce food waste: Plan your meals, store food properly, and compost leftovers.
- How to deal with smelly compost: Add more brown materials, turn the compost regularly, and avoid composting meat and dairy.
- How to start a compost bin: Choose a suitable location, add a layer of brown material, and start adding food scraps.
- How to use compost: Mix it into your soil, create a compost tea, or use it as mulch.
- How to troubleshoot compost problems: Identify the problem (e.g., too wet, too dry, too many pests) and take appropriate action.
So there you have it, folks! Composting in NYC may seem daunting, but with a little know-how, it can be a rewarding experience. Happy composting!