Food Scrap Drop-Off

Separating food scraps and plant waste from trash is now mandatory.

New Yorkers can get rid of food scraps, food-soiled paper, and house plants and flowers by bringing them to a Smart Composting Bin or food scrap drop-off.  

Smart Composting Bins

Smart Composting Bins are located throughout NYC. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are emptied regularly.

You can drop off ALL food scraps, food-soiled paper, and plant waste. This includes meat, bones, dairy, prepared foods, greasy uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes, and house plants and flowers.

Find and unlock available bins using the free NYC Compost app.

Download the app:

• NYC Compost for iOS
• NYC Compost for Android

Food Scrap Drop-Off Sites

Many community gardens and parks and some schools and other nonprofits have composting programs will accept your food scraps and plant waste.

You can drop off most food scraps, including fruits and vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds and tea bags, bread, rice, and pasta, as well as plant waste, including leaf and yard waste and houseplants. Most sites DO NOT accept meat, fish, bones, dairy, oil, fat, or prepared food.

Site availability varies. Make sure site is open and able to accept material.

Find a Drop-Off Site

Find a Smart Composting Bin or food scrap drop-off site near you.

KEY:

• Orange - Smart Composting Bin (Accessible 24/7 using NYC Compost app. Accepts ALL food scraps and plant waste)
• Green - Food Scrap Drop-Off Site (Schedule may vary. May not accept meat, dairy, or prepared food. No app required) 

What Not to Compost

• DO NOT compost trash such as wrappers, pet waste, medical waste, diapers, foam personal, or hygiene products.
• DO NOT compost metal glass, plastic, cartons, clean paper, or cardboard.

NOTE: Most food scrap drop-off sites CANNOT accept meat, fish, bones, dairy, fat, oil, or greasy prepared food.