NYC Department of Sanitation
Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling
Compost Giveback Program

Please note that there are no more Compost Givebacks until leaf composting collection is restored. Since the Fall Leaf Composting Collection program was suspended in Fall 2008, there is no raw material to create more compost.

Budget permitting, the DSNY Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling
(DSNY-BWPRR) holds periodic Compost Givebacks, where New York City residents can get free compost made from the leaves collected by the NYC Department of Sanitation.

Residents bring their own containers and shovels in order to take away unlimited amounts of top-quality compost (while supplies last). NYC Compost Project staff and Master Composter volunteers answer questions and share advice.

Compost Givebacks are normally held every spring and fall. As of Fall 2008, since Leaf Composting Collection has been suspended, there is no raw material to create more compost. The Fall 2008 Compost Givebacks were the last Givebacks until sometime in the future after (and if) leaf composting collections are restored.

Compost is a crumbly, earthy material that looks and feels like soil. Adding compost to backyards, gardens, and parks improves soil quality, increases plant growth, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and watering.

Compost is an ideal soil amendment when planting new trees. Get involved with MillionTreesNYC and help plant and care for one million trees across the city's five boroughs.

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