April is Earth Month, a time to pause, reflect on the health of our planet, and take action in our own communities. Every year, Earth Month reminds us that the challenges we face are big, like climate change impacts including rising temperatures and flooding, and waste going to landfills that could be reused or composted instead. But so is our collective power to respond.
Big problems like climate change won't be solved with one solution, and that's exactly why Big Reuse offers a variety of community-based programs that promote greening NYC neighborhoods and minimizing landfill waste. From caring for street trees to building compost that strengthens local soil, Big Reuse works neighborhood by neighborhood to make New York City more resilient, sustainable, and green. We host volunteer events all year long across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx; this month, we have more happening than ever. Whether you've volunteered with us before or you're brand new, there's a spot for you. No experience needed, and all tools are provided!
Aren’t able to volunteer? Consider helping us raise $10,000 by April 30 to keep our programs running strong. Every dollar supports an organization strengthening NYC neighborhoods against climate impacts on multiple levels.
Volunteer in NYC with Environmental Non-Profit Big Reuse This Earth Month
As a tree care volunteer, you will help care for street trees in your community by cleaning tree beds, loosening compacted soil, and adding compost and mulch. At our composting sites, you will help turn food scraps and organic materials into compost.
Thank you to NYC City Council for funding community composting and making these events possible!
Recurring Events
Salt Lot Composting Event
Every Tuesday, 10AM–1PM
📍22 2nd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Gowanus)
Sky Farm LIC Composting Event
Every Wednesday, 1PM–4PM
📍37-18 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101 (LIC)
Randall's Island Composting Event
Every Sunday, 10AM–1PM
📍 20 Randall's Island Park, NY 10035 (Randall’s Island)
No RSVP needed
Saturday, April 11
Community Board 17, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍Tilden Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (East Flatbush)
Sponsored by CM Farah Louis
Smiling Hogshead Ranch, Composting Event
10AM–1PM
📍25-30 Skillman Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (LIC)
136th St Green Initiative & Community Enhancement BA, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍540 W 136th St, New York, NY 10031 (West Harlem)
Sponsored by CM Shaun Abreu
King Manor Museum, Street Tree Care Event
2PM–4PM
📍150-03 Jamaica Ave, Queens, NY 11432 (Jamaica)
Sponsored by CM Dr. Nantasha Williams
The Mission Continues, Street Tree Care Event
2PM–4PM
📍494 E 141st St, Bronx, NY 10454 (Mott Haven)
Sponsored by CM Elsie Encarnacion
Sunday, April 12
Flatbush Food Co-op,Street Tree Care Event
2PM–4PM
📍1415 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Ditmas Park)
Sponsored by CM Rita Joseph
Tuesday, April 14
GrowNYC Education + School Gardens, Composting Event
3:30PM–5PM
📍PS/IS 78 Robert F. Wagner School, 46-08 5th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
Sponsored by CM Julie Won
Wednesday, April 15
Greenspace on 4th, Composting Event
10AM–12PM
📍207 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus)
Friday, April 17
El Garden, Composting Event
10AM–12PM
📍120 Jefferson St, Brooklyn, NY 11221 (Bushwick)
Saturday, April 18
North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍322 S 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg)
Sponsored by CM Jennifer Gutiérrez
95th Street Block Association, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍129 W 95th St, New York, NY 10025 (East Harlem)
Sponsored by CM Shaun Abreu
Sunday, April 19
Clean Bushwick Initiative, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍378 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Bushwick)
Sponsored by CM Jennifer Gutiérrez
Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day!
Cypress Hills Local Development Corp, Street Tree Care Event
11AM–1PM
📍3456 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11208 (Cypress Hills)
Sponsored by CM Sandy Nurse
Lex & 3rd Block Association & Gigi's Playhouse Achievers, Street Tree Care
3PM–5PM
📍1834 3rd Ave, New York, NY 1029 (East Harlem)
Sponsored by CM Elsie Encarnacion
Thursday, April 23
New Roots, Composting Event
1PM–4PM
📍670 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451 (Grand Concourse)
Friday, April 24
FAB Fulton, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Fort Greene)
Sponsored by CM Crystal Hudson
Saturday, April 25
Brooklyn Heights Association, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍2 Montague Terrace, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Brooklyn Heights)
Sponsored by CM Lincoln Restler
Decatur Block Association, Street Tree Care Event
10AM–12PM
📍2653 Decatur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458 (Fordham)
Sponsored by CM Oswald Feliz
Franklin Ave Merchants Association, Street Tree Care Event
2PM–4PM
📍613 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Crown Heights) Sponsored by CM Crystal Hudson
Little Haiti BK, Street Tree Care Event
2PM–4PM
📍1998 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
Sponsored by CM Rita Joseph
Sunday, April 26
Flatbush Development Corporation, Street Tree Care
10AM–12PM
📍1418 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Ditmas Park)
Sponsored by CM Rita Joseph
We also invite you to take action in whatever way feels right for you. Here are a few ways to support beyond volunteering and funding our work:
-
Donate reusable items like clothing, books, home goods, furniture, and more at our Reuse Centers in Gowanus and Bushwick: Visit our donation page here for more information.
-
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our latest initiatives.
-
Share our hands-on corporate volunteering opportunities with your employer. We’d love to have you and your colleagues join us for a street tree care or composting event, or volunteer at our Reuse Center in Gowanus.
-
Request curbside composting outreach to bring curbside composting education around the city’s mandatory program directly to your community or building.
-
Thank your Council Member for funding community composting, and urge them to continue the funding for next fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2026).
-
We have upcoming volunteer opportunities beyond April! Make sure to RSVP with us.
Blog post written by NYSERDA Fellow Tatiana Guerra
