In April 2026, we announced our partnership with Central Park Conservancy to bring composting directly into one of New York City’s most iconic green spaces. Through this partnership, we operate a composting site that turns material from Central Park’s daily care, like branches, leaves, grass clippings, and invasive plants, into compost. That finished compost is then used back in Central Park’s landscapes, creating a full-circle system that supports the park while reducing waste. This work connects directly to our mission at Big Reuse while also supporting Central Park Conservancy’s long-term sustainability goals. By composting organic material locally, we help keep useful material out of landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich compost that supports healthy soil. For Central Park, this means leaves, weeds, branches, and other organic material generated through the park’s daily care can be reused directly in its landscapes instead of being sent off-site. This creates a more sustainable system for caring for Central Park’s gardens, trees, and green spaces, while showing how community-scale composting can make a real difference in one of New York City’s most well-known public spaces.
Since we began operating the site in mid-January, we have processed approximately 125 cubic yards of horticultural waste. We have also completed and tested our first batch of compost, with 12 cubic yards already delivered to the Conservatory Garden and additional finished compost awaiting pickup by the Central Park Conservancy.
As the project continues to grow, we are increasing the site's processing capacity to help meet Central Park's composting needs. The site also utilizes an off-grid solar-powered in-vessel compost system, helping make the operation even more sustainable.
Earlier this year, BioCycle featured the project and highlighted how Big Reuse and Central Park Conservancy.You can read more about the partnership in compost and waste media outlet BioCycle.
More recently, plant-based influencer and educator Plant Kween visited the site and shared a behind-the-scenes look at the composting process through an Instagram reel. During the visit, viewers could see how horticultural material is collected during routine park maintenance and transformed into compost that supports the park's landscapes. Plant Kween also highlighted some of the compost's many benefits, including improving soil structure, helping soil retain moisture, reducing stormwater runoff, and supporting healthy ecosystems. You can watch the Plant Kween reel here.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue growing this partnership with the Central Park Conservancy and to expand local composting efforts within the park. As more material is processed and returned to the landscape, this initiative will continue demonstrating how composting can support healthier soils, stronger ecosystems, and more sustainable urban green spaces.
Interested in consulting with the Big Reuse team to close the loop on horticultural waste in your urban park or green space? Learn more and connect with our composting team here. Want to volunteer with Big Reuse at a street tree care event, community composting event, or at our Reuse Centers? See all upcoming events here.