Big Reuse expands community composting with new drop-offs and facilities in NYC

The Finance/Sanitation/Aging FY26 Executive Budget Hearing took place on May 12, 2025, in New York City, focusing on key issues related to sanitation and community support initiatives. The meeting featured various stakeholders discussing their contributions and the importance of continued funding for community programs.

The session began with testimony from the executive director of Big Reuse, who highlighted the organization's achievements over the past year. With funding from the previous budget, Big Reuse successfully opened 30 food scrap drop-off locations across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Roosevelt Island. The director emphasized the installation of rat-proof compost cubes in community gardens and the reopening of two mid-scale composting facilities in Gowanus and Central Park.

The organization also delivered compost to over 75 schools and conducted extensive outreach, including 50 community events. They trained master composters and engaged 2,000 volunteers to care for street trees, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community involvement. The director urged continued support for community composting programs, stressing their role in educating New Yorkers about the benefits of composting and improving local soil health.

Following this testimony, Jeanette Estima, the policy director at City Meals on Wheels, was introduced to provide her insights. The meeting continued with additional panelists, indicating a broad discussion on various community support initiatives.

Overall, the hearing underscored the importance of funding for community-based programs that enhance environmental sustainability and support vulnerable populations in New York City. The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing investment in these initiatives to foster community engagement and improve the quality of life for residents.