New York City Council
Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management
Feb 27, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 16 min
Summary
A hearing on New York City's organic waste management and composting initiatives with discussions on the role of compost programs in achieving sustainability and waste reduction goals. Topics include the expansion of the city's curbside composting program, the need for enhanced public education on composting practices, and concerns over recent budget cuts impacting community composting efforts. Features testimony from the Department of Sanitation, environmental advocates, community composting organizations, and the public."
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Shaun Abreu Opens Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Oversight Hearing on Organic Waste
Council Member Shaun Abreu emphasizes the critical role of composting and organic waste management in New York City's sustainability and waste diversion efforts. - Emphasizes the importance of composting programs …
0:00:26
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5 min
Javier Lohan, First Deputy Commissioner, NYC Department of Sanitation on the Expansion and Impact of NYC's Curbside Composting Program
Javier Lohan provides a comprehensive overview of the successes and future plans of NYC's curbside composting program, highlighting its significant role in waste diversion and climate change mitigation. - Lohan …
0:07:08
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8 min
Why is NYC's curbside organics collection marketed as composting when used mostly for methane production?
Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman explains the NYC Department of Sanitation's marketing of curbside organics collection as composting aims for broader participation by using familiar terms despite its main use for …
0:16:18
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111 sec
What is the current proportion of organic waste processed into compost in NYC?
Currently, about 20% of NYC's organic waste is processed into compost, with the rest undergoing anaerobic digestion. - About 80% of organic waste goes to anaerobic digestion and the remaining …
0:18:07
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65 sec
How is digestate from anaerobic digesters processed, and what proportion is beneficially reused?
The anaerobic digester process produces gas, fertilizer, and construction materials, with approximately 95% of the finished solids being beneficially reused. - The anaerobic digestion process simulates the human stomach, transforming …
0:19:13
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95 sec
Can the city process the majority of its organic waste into compost with its current infrastructure?
The NYC Department of Sanitation affirms it has sufficient capacity to process organic waste collected at the curb, with a focus on enhancing this process. - The city currently has …
0:20:50
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41 sec
What is the breakdown of landfilling, incinerating, and using for agricultural purposes of sewage sludge biosolids?
Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman indicates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) likely has the information on the breakdown of how sewage sludge biosolids are processed. - The council member …
0:21:33
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61 sec
What measures are in place to limit contamination in the NYC Department of Sanitation's programs?
Efforts to reduce contamination in the NYC Department of Sanitation's programs include the introduction of smart bins and specialized equipment at the Staten Island compost facility. - Smart bins increase …
0:22:34
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64 sec
How is the NYC Department of Sanitation engaging community sites in the organic waste processing RFP?
The NYC Department of Sanitation highlights its support for community composting and encourages community groups to review the RFP for organic waste processing. - Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman discusses procurement …
0:23:39
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56 sec
What is the city doing to prepare for increased composting in the next two years?
The city has upgraded Staten Island's composting facility and launched a competitive bid to expand organic processing capacity. - Upgraded Staten Island compost facility from 30 to 600 tons of …
0:24:35
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68 sec
How much organic material is sent to the Staten Island compost site, and what proportion comes from commercial landscapers?
For fiscal year 23, about 31,000 tons of organic material are received, with 26,000 tons sourced from commercial landscapers. - The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) receives approximately 31,000 tons of …
0:25:43
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50 sec
How will the Department of Sanitation New York (DSNY) balance space intensity and benefits of local composting?
The Department of Sanitation New York (DSNY) aims to balance composting's spatial demands with its local benefits through a mix of traditional composting and anaerobic digestion. - DSNY is addressing …
0:26:57
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63 sec
What is the preferred breakdown between anaerobic digestion and composting, and how is waste management transparency addressed?
Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman does not specify a preferred breakdown between anaerobic digestion and composting due to potential legal implications, but emphasizes the importance of both methods. - Both anaerobic …
0:28:01
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122 sec
What are the specific green jobs for processing organic waste, and which are entry-level?
The Deputy Commissioner does not provide specific details on green jobs related to organic waste processing but highlights the city's composting program and fiscal challenges. - The question is suggested …
0:30:10
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3 min
Council Member Shaun Abreu states that community composting is here to stay
Council Member Shaun Abreu stresses the importance of community composting during the budget hearing, emphasizing its continuity and expansion. - Abreu commits to prioritizing community composting within the committee and …
0:33:15
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54 sec
What are the costs and benefits of operating city-owned transfer stations for commercial solid waste?
Council Member Sandy Nurse seeks concrete cost breakdown and explores the interest of waste management companies in using city-owned transfer stations. - Nurse highlights the lack of detailed cost analysis …
0:36:19
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145 sec
Did the compost facility siting task force ever meet, and can more information be provided about its activities?
Director Kate Kitchener is unsure if the compost facility siting task force ever met and offers to provide information on its activities in a follow-up. - Council Member Sandy Nurse …
0:38:51
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35 sec
Why hasn't a mechanical broom serviced certain areas for nearly 20 days, and how does the credit system in the sweep application work?
The Department of Sanitation is refining its application to only credit mechanical broom services within regulated times and is adjusting routes and resources to ensure full coverage. - Application refinements …
0:39:27
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4 min
Council Member Lincoln Restler on Community Composting Legislation in NYC
Council Member Lincoln Restler advocates for community composting and the introduction of new legislation mandating 1500 public composting bins across New York City. - Restler emphasizes the significance of community …
0:43:50
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156 sec
How are complaints about broken or unusable composting bins addressed?
The NYC Department of Sanitation addresses complaints about composting bins through a dedicated team and an app for reporting issues. - A dedicated team manages complaints about smart composting bins. …
0:46:49
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92 sec
How does New York City's waste collection rates compare to those of other major cities?
Joshua Goodman indicates difficulty in comparing New York City's waste tonnage rates directly with other cities due to variable reporting structures but notes significant progress in the city's composting program. …
0:48:21
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111 sec
How does the Department of Sanitation plan to prevent private waste haulers from mixing organic and non-organic waste, and what enforcement steps are taken against non-compliance?
The Department of Sanitation outlines measures to ensure private waste hauling companies do not mix organic with non-organic waste and details enforcement plans for non-compliant businesses and carters. - A …
0:50:21
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3 min
What steps is the NYC Department of Sanitation taking to ensure compost is not mixed with standard waste?
The NYC Department of Sanitation explains their hybrid collection approach and measures to prevent mixing of compost with standard waste due to contamination. - A hybrid collection system will be …
0:53:33
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111 sec
What are the NYC Department of Sanitation's plans for expanding compost processing capacity?
The NYC Department of Sanitation is currently expanding compost processing capacity through a competitive bid process, emphasizing the benefits of composting and anaerobic digestion. - A competitive sealed bid procurement …
0:55:24
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59 sec
What happened with the digester eggs at Newtown Creek this summer?
The Department of Sanitation redirects the inquiry about Newtown Creek's digester eggs malfunctioning to the Department of Environmental Protection or their vendor National Grid. - The NYC Department of Sanitation …
0:56:25
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40 sec
What are the preliminary data on the compost program participation in Queens and Brooklyn and details on the outreach efforts?
The Deputy Commissioner of Public Affairs and Customer Experience provides preliminary data on the compost program's outreach efforts and participation, revealing significant efforts and a record amount of diverted material. …
0:57:05
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114 sec
What is being done to reduce odors from the Staten Island composting site?
Water is sprayed on compost piles at the Staten Island site on windy days to reduce odors. - Council Member David M. Carr expresses concerns about odor complaints from the …
0:59:27
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60 sec
How much organic waste has been collected by borough since last October?
The NYC Department of Sanitation collected 11,770 tons in Brooklyn, but there was confusion in reporting Queens' data, initially stated in tons instead of pounds. - Javier Lohan mistakenly refers …
1:00:30
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40 sec
Why are compost smart bins on the Upper West Side frequently overfilled, and what plans are in place to address this?
Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman and First Deputy Commissioner Javier Lohan discuss the robust usage of compost smart bins on the Upper West Side and planned adjustments to address overfilling issues. …
1:01:11
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157 sec
How many citations have commercial businesses received for waste management violations in the past 6 months?
The NYC Department of Sanitation does not have the requested citation data available at the moment but promises to follow up. - Council Member Shaun Abreu asks about citations for …
1:03:49
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33 sec
What education is provided to schools after funding cuts to the Grow NYC Zero Waste Schools program?
The NYC Department of Sanitation will fulfill its commitment to ensure every DOE school receives composting service, despite funding cuts. - Every Department of Education (DOE) school is set to …
1:04:22
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88 sec
What happened to the $2.1 million funding for the Rockaway Avenue Compost site's build-out?
The $2.1 million for the Rockaway Avenue Compost site's build-out was halted due to budget adjustments in the November plan. - The $2.1 million was allocated through the East Side …
1:05:55
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71 sec
How will New Yorkers be educated on mandatory organic waste separation by October with DSNY's budget cuts?
DSNY plans to use the simplicity of its new curbside composting program to facilitate its own outreach, alongside successful strategies previously employed. - The new composting program is designed to …
1:07:15
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94 sec
How can New Yorkers handle organic waste when DSNY doesn't collect it?
Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman suggests using smart composting bins for organic waste on non-collection days. - Smart composting bins remain necessary for managing organic waste even with citywide residential curbside …
1:08:51
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51 sec
How can New Yorkers ensure organic waste separation when landlords are uncooperative?
Starting Spring 2025, DSNY will issue citations for failure to source separate organic waste, likely reducing non-compliance by landlords. - The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will have the authority …
1:09:43
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62 sec
Are metrics on brown bin participation and contamination rates available, and where can the public access them?
Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman confirms that metrics on brown bin participation and contamination rates are available online, including monthly tonnage data. - Goodman confirms the availability of metrics, including monthly …
1:10:45
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43 sec
Rhonda Keyser, Chair, Brooklyn Solid Waste Advisory Board on Prioritizing Composting Infrastructure in NYC
Rhonda Keyser, Chair of the Brooklyn Solid Waste Advisory Board, argues for prioritizing composting over anaerobic co-digestion in managing New York City's organic waste. - Keyser represents the Brooklyn, Manhattan, …
1:20:52
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3 min
Clare Miflin on the Necessity of Community Composting for a Greener, Equitable New York City
Clare Miflin, Executive Director of the Center for Zero Waste Design, articulates the vital role of community composting in achieving New York City's vision for a greener and more equitable …
1:24:20
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151 sec
Gil Lopez, Member of the Queens Solid Waste Advisory Board, on the Need for Proper Anaerobic Digestion and the Value of Community Composting
Gil Lopez highlights the critical need for proper anaerobic digestion and the value of community composting for efficient waste management in New York City. - Lopez differentiates between pure anaerobic …
1:27:07
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172 sec
Member of Grow NYC on the Importance of Restoring Funding for Community Composting
A representative from Grow NYC advocates for the restoration of funding for community composting, highlighting the program's impacts on jobs, waste diversion, and environmental education. - Grow NYC supports the …
1:30:32
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154 sec
Marisa DeDominicis on Supporting and Expanding Community Composting in New York City
Marisa DeDominicis advocates for increased support and expansion of community composting in New York City. - DeDominicis requests the passage of Intro 55, Intro 97a and a preconsidered bill by …
1:33:21
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123 sec
Christine Datz-Romero, Executive Director of the Lower East Side Ecology Center, on the Importance of Community Composting Programs
Christine Datz-Romero testifies about the crucial role of community composting programs and the need to avoid cutting them. - Datz-Romero thanks the council for their support and highlights the appreciation …
1:35:26
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91 sec
Justin Green, Executive Director of Big Reuse, on Restoring Funding for Community Composting Programs
Justin Green, Executive Director of Big Reuse, advocates for the restoration of funding for community composting programs. - Thanks chair and supporting council members for their support of community composting. …
1:37:45
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123 sec
Courtney Scheffler from the Grown NYC Workers Collective on Advocating for Community Composting Funding and Legislation
Courtney Scheffler emphasizes the necessity of community composting programs for environmental justice and waste equity in NYC. - Scheffler, a compost coordinator with Grow NYC, speaks on behalf of the …
1:39:56
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147 sec
Natural Resources Defense Council on Enhancing New York City’s Waste Disposal Through Community Composting and Capacity Expansion
An attendee from the Natural Resources Defense Council discusses the need for enhanced organics processing and community composting for a sustainable waste disposal system in New York City. - Emphasizes …
1:42:27
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160 sec
Winson Wong, Cofounder and CEO of Afterlife Ag, on Transforming Organic Waste Into Mushroom Substrate for Local Consumption and Environmental Benefit
Winson Wong, Cofounder and CEO of Afterlife Ag, discusses transforming organic waste into substrate to grow mushrooms, which benefits local consumption and the environment. - Afterlife Ag, a micro hauler …
1:46:00
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84 sec
Lena Fry, Compost Coordinator at Grow NYC Workers Collective, on the Threats to Community Composting in NYC Due to City Defunding
Lena Fry testifies on the significant impact of defunding community composting services in NYC on union jobs and accessibility. - Fry introduces herself as a compost coordinator for over 4 …
1:47:32
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125 sec
Carol Robbins, Member of the Public, on the Benefits of Citywide Composting
Carol Robbins, advocating for citywide composting, highlights its environmental benefits and simplicity. - Emphasizes that composting eliminates waste odor, reduces rat populations, and prevents methane emissions from landfills. - Argues …
1:49:44
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34 sec
Arkman Heber on the State and Future of Community Composting in New York City
Arkman Heber testifies about the overlooked infrastructure of community composting, highlighting the need for funding restoration and future legislative support. - Heber, representing Grow NYC's composting efforts, criticizes the shift …
1:50:55
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127 sec
Celeste Perez on Supporting Intro Number 55 for a Water Barge-Based Waste System in NYC
Celeste Perez advocates for the adoption of intro number 55 to transition NYC's waste export system to a water barge-based method, aiming to alleviate environmental injustices and reduce pollution. - …
1:53:18
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158 sec
Compost Program Manager at East New York Farms on the Impact of Budget Cuts on Community Composting
The Compost Program Manager at East New York Farms discusses the detrimental impact of New York City budget cuts on community composting, particularly in East New York. - The manager …
1:56:01
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145 sec
Christopher Leon Johnson on Increasing Fines for Littering and Implementing Financial Incentives for Reporting
Christopher Leon Johnson, speaking as a member of the public, advocates for increased fines for littering and the introduction of financial incentives for reporting littering, akin to incentives for reporting …
1:58:55
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133 sec
Member of the Public on the Deterioration of New York City's Public Spaces and Infrastructure
A member of the public criticizes the state of New York City's public spaces and infrastructure in a disjointed testimony. - Begins by comparing themselves to Venezuelan immigrants and mentions …
2:01:46
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107 sec
Former Instructor of the Master Composter Course on the Impact and Challenges of Curbside Compost Collection Programs
A former instructor of the Master Composter Course discusses the impact and inherent challenges of curbside compost collection programs, emphasizing the vital role of Master Composters and critiquing the Department …
2:03:59
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127 sec
Anita from Earth Matter New York on Enhancing Community Composting and Organic Waste Management
Anita, a lifelong New York City resident and board member of Earth Matter New York, shares her personal journey and emphasizes the critical role of community composting in organic waste …
2:06:19
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125 sec
Anna Sacks on the Necessity of City Funding for Community Composting
Anna Sacks, Legislative Chairman of the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board, argues for the restoration of $7,000,000 in city funding for community composting. - Sacks criticizes the Department of Sanitation …
2:08:37
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123 sec
Lonnie Portis, Policy and Advocacy Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, on Strategies for Enhancing Community Composting in NYC
Lonnie Portis advocates for the development of a comprehensive infrastructure for organic waste management to promote community composting in New York City. - Portis testifies about the importance of a …
2:10:56
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122 sec
Samantha McBride, Professor at Baruch College, on the Performance Analysis of Queens' Residential Curbside Organics Collection Program
Dr. Samantha McBride presents her findings on the inadequate performance of Queens' residential curbside organics collection program. - Dr. McBride uses monthly tonnages, the 2017 waste characterization study, and U.S. …
2:13:12
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123 sec
