Learn how we compost, what you can drop off, and how your scraps help nourish the garden.

Compost Drop-Off

Neighbors are welcome to bring food scraps during our open hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM
Garden members can drop off compost anytime.

*Please don’t leave compost outside the gate when we’re closed.

What to Know Before You Drop Off

The secret to healthy compost is maintaining a balance of “greens” (nitrogen-rich food scraps and fresh plant material) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like wood shavings, straw, or dry leaves). Composters use these terms as shorthand for the two essential composting ingredients, even though "greens" are not always green and  "browns" are not always brown.

How to Add to the Compost Bins

Step 1: Prep at Home

Chop food scraps and plant clippings into egg-sized pieces. and remove Remove stickers, rubber bands, twist ties, etc. DO NOT add biodegradable compost bags — our bins don’t get hot enough to break them down.

Step 2: Add to the Active Bin

Drop your scraps in the left-hand bin labeled “ACTIVE”
Add a roughly equal amount of wood shavings (our browns) — found in the black bin marked BROWNS or the clear bins with yellow lids.

Step 3: Give it a Spin

Use the compost crank (looks like this and should be next to the active bin) to stir and aerate the pile. 2–3 turns is great — but crank to your heart’s content.

Step 4: Cover Fresh Scraps

If any food is visible after cranking, cover it with a handful of browns to keep smells and pests away.

What Belongs in the Bin?

DO NOT add these:

  • Meat, bones, fish, poultry

  • Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.)

  • Eggs (just the shells!)

  • Baked goods (bread, muffins, pastries, etc.)

  • Processed snacks (chips, cereal, granola bars)

  • Cooked leftovers

  • Oily or greasy scraps

  • Paper towels or napkins with grease

  • “Compostable” plastics or bags

  • Pet waste, kitty litter, or bedding

  • Charcoal, coal ash

  • Diseased plants or soil with invasive weeds

  • Avoid dumping liquids (soupy scraps or juices)

DO add these:

  • Fruit & vegetable scraps (raw only)

  • Coffee grounds + unbleached filters

  • Tea bags (paper-based)

  • Eggshells (shells only: eggs themselves will attract pests)

  • Pits (including avocado!)

  • Corn cobs

  • Healthy houseplants, leaves, and soil

  • Wilted flowers

  • Cardboard egg cartons (non-glossy)

  • Shredded brown paper bags

What Happens to My Scraps?

Once the Active bin is full and partially decomposed, we move it to the Curing bin (middle). After resting, it’s sifted into the Finished bin. Any chunky bits go back into the cycle. The finished compost is used in our garden beds and local street tree pits — and we’re happy to share! To inquire about receiving donations of finished compost, email us at: 61franklinstgarden@gmail.com.

Our three-bin compost system that helps divert food scraps from landfills

 

Looking for other drop-off sites nearby?

Visit the NYC Department of Sanitation website for a full list of compost locations.