Jennifer McDonnell, Deputy Commissioner for Solid Waste Management at the New York City Department of Sanitation, stated, “We’re creating this fantastic compost that we can utilize all over the city and enhance soil health.” In addition to processing landscaper trash, the Staten Island Compost Facility, run by Denali Water Solutions, now also manages organic waste from homes. The plant receives 100 to 150 tons of organic material per day on average, and up to 250 tons during periods of significant leaf fall.
Composting starts when the garbage is moved into aerated static pile bunkers after being shred and screened upon arrival. The piles can reach temperatures of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8°C), which is hot enough to destroy weed seeds and viruses. The substance is broken down by insects, bacteria, and fungi over a period of weeks. The final output is a black, nutrient-rich compost after curing and screening. The remainder is given away for free to citizens, community gardens, and schools, while the remainder is sold to landscapers. “This year, we believe we have distributed nearly 6 million pounds of compost to the people of New York City,” McDonnell stated. The compost keeps urban green spaces flourishing, manages runoff, and enhances soil health.
According to the National Resources Defense Council, the majority of residential trash nationwide is made up of yard waste and food scraps. They produce methane, a strong greenhouse gas, when they are dumped in landfills. Eric Goldstein, the council’s New York City Environment Director, stated that “we have to get our food scraps out of landfills and into composting if we want to take a bite out of the climate crisis.” All citizens are required to segregate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from trash as part of the city’s organics collection program. Enforcement is anticipated to start in 2026, despite a halt earlier this year.
