Composting

Every public FSDO site varies slightly in the materials it accepts for composting.

At this site, we accept:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Grains
• Coffee grounds/filters and tea bags
• Egg shells and nut shells
• Cut flowers and houseplants
• Potting soil

We do not accept:

• Meat/fish
• Bones
• Dairy
• Fat/oil
• Animal waste/bedding
• Charcoal
• Insect- or disease-infested plants
• Plastics
• Twist ties, rubber bands
• Metal, glass, or commercial waste

Please empty your food scraps into the designated bins outside the Sustainability Center. Please include any paper bags and soiled newspapers. Plastic bags must be separated out and thrown away into a trash can. We recommend that you collect your food scraps in reusable containers or paper bags. To reduce odors and fruit flies, you can store items in the freezer or refrigerator. A layer of shredded newspaper at the bottom of your storage container can also help absorb any excess moisture.

We encourage you to explore our calendar of composting events, and to register for the Master Composter Certification Course. This course is an advanced compost education and outreach program over six months designed to build a citywide network of composting educators and advocates.

The Master Composter certification consists of seven required workshops, nine hours of service learning, two field trips to compost-processing sites (of which Snug Harbor is one!), and one capstone project, which is formalized in a five-minute presentation during the last workshop.

In the process, you will gain an understanding of the various organic waste diversion programs in New York City, as well as learn basic compost science, urban compost system design, and outreach techniques.

For any additional questions, contact [email protected] with any questions.