STATEN ISLAND, NY — Food waste collection at the Greenmarkets ended last year, but the Department of Sanitation and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens in Livingston have continued the effort with food waste collection.
There are two ways to deal with leftover food.
Snug’s has restarted the drop-off program at the compost demo site near Heritage Farm Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Snug asks Staten Island residents to empty trash, including paper bags and dirty newspapers, into designated receptacles. Plastic bags, on the other hand, must be sorted out and thrown into a trash can.
Leftover food is accepted
Snug collects the following waste:
- Fruit and vegetable leftovers
- Grain
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Teabags
- Eggshells and nutshells
- Cut flowers and houseplants
- Potting soil
A representative from Snug said, “We recommend that you collect your food scraps in reusable containers or paper bags. To reduce odors and fruit flies, you can store the food in the freezer or refrigerator. A layer of shredded newspaper at the bottom of your storage container can also help absorb excess moisture.”
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Currently, the Staten Island Department of Sanitation offers smart compost bins that are accessible 24/7 through the free NYC Compost app.
Smart Composting Bins and our curbside pickup service accept all food waste, including meat, dairy and prepared meals, as well as garden waste and food-soiled paper.
Soon it will start for everyone
A spokesperson for the Department of Sanitation and Hygiene said: “Starting the week of October 6, Staten Island residents will have the most convenient place imaginable to dispose of food scraps: the area in front of their homes.”
The comprehensive program is aimed at all households on Staten Island for all kitchen and yard waste.
Composting of food and garden waste will become mandatory. The aim is to convert it into compost or renewable energy.
A free brown compost bin can be ordered online through October 28. Residents of the Big Apple can also use their own bin, as long as it holds 55 gallons or less, has a secure lid and is properly labeled.
Pamela Silvestri is food editor at Advance/Silive.com. She can be reached at [email protected].
