Read our full annual report here.
Over the past year, our Community Composting team diverted waste and engaged local NYC communities:
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18 food scrap drop-off (FSDO) locations were restored across four boroughs, making it easier for New Yorkers to compost.
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Hosted regular volunteer events at three key green spaces: Randall’s Island Urban Farm (Manhattan), SkyFarm LIC (Queens), and Gowanus Canal Conservancy (Brooklyn). These events provided hands-on opportunities for NYC residents to get involved in the composting process.
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We supported local community gardens and urban farms, strengthening the city’s composting efforts and fostering stronger local networks.
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Coordinated the return of the Master Composter program, helping to train and equip community members with the knowledge and skills to lead composting efforts in their neighborhoods.
Our goals for 2025 include:
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Reopening the Gowanus Salt Lot composting site, which will expand access for residents in Brooklyn and support composting efforts in the area.
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Opening and hosting additional FSDO locations across the city, making it easier for New Yorkers to compost.
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Installing new 3-bin systems for community composters, which will enhance composting efficiency and accessibility.
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Hosting Composting in NYC presentations at public libraries and other spaces to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of composting and how to get involved.
Our Street Tree Care team stewarded urban trees with community volunteers and partners, educating NYC residents on long-term tree care, and launched new programs:
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Over 800 street trees cared for by more than 2,000 community volunteers, including over 800 youth who participated in hands-on care and learning.
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75+ community street tree care and educational events organized, in partnership with more than 60 community organizations, helping to spread awareness and teach residents about the importance of trees.
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We launched a tree guard project, funded by Council Member Lincoln Restler, making affordable tree guards available to 13 districts across the city to protect young trees and ensure their growth.
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Through a tree planting partnership with Rise Light and Power and AM Mamdani, we successfully planted 15 new trees in Astoria, adding to the city’s canopy.
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A tree care guide was created in both English and Spanish, and we recorded a tree care workshop with funding from the Millerknoll Foundation, making tree care information more accessible to a wider audience.
Our goals for 2025 include:
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Launch our first seasonal tree planting program and expand the tree care program to more disadvantaged communities with support from DEC funding, ensuring a year-round effort to maintain and grow our tree canopy across all neighborhoods.
Our Reuse Center made a significant impact by diverting thousands of reusable items from landfills and fostering a more sustainable community:
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Diverted over 130,000 home goods, 61,000 pieces of clothing, 81,000 pieces of furniture, and 35,000 books from landfills, giving these items a second life.
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Hosted our first sustainable Halloween event, encouraging creative reuse of materials for costumes and decorations.
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Launched monthly volunteer events, where community members support the Reuse Center by organizing and cleaning, helping to maintain a welcoming and efficient space.
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Partnered with groups like By Liv Handmade and the Human Impact Institute to promote sustainable fashion, props, art, and more.
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Collected e-waste, paint, corks, and eclipse glasses for recycling or donation and introduced a plant swap wall to encourage green living.
Our goals for 2025 include:
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Plan more environmental-focused events to strengthen community engagement and education around reuse, composting, and environmental issues.