BBG’s Guide to Composting

Left on its own, all organic matter will eventually break down through the action of hungry bacteria and fungi as well as larger creatures such as worms, sow bugs, and centipedes. These decomposers consume decaying plant material and convert it into humus.

Composting speeds up this natural process. In just a few months, you can potentially create a topsoil-like amendment that would have taken decades to form naturally. It can then be added to your soil to improve its structure—allowing air and water to enter easily and be retained.

Learn About Composting

The average household throws away 2 pounds of organic waste each day—vegetable cuttings, fruit peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and yard trimmings that could instead be composted. When we discard organic waste, we not only lose precious landfill space but also miss out on a valuable resource that can help beautify parks, gardens, and lawns.

• What and How to Compost

  What can I put in the compost pile? What does composting mean, and how does it work? Read More ›

• Compost Bins

  Choose the right compost bin for your space, budget, and materials. Here are five basic types. Read More ›

• Using Redworms for Indoor Composting

  You can use redworms to recycle your food waste by setting up a worm bin system at home. Your food waste will disappear and your plants will flourish! Read More ›

NYC Compost Project

The NYC Compost Project hosted by Brooklyn Botanic Garden helps to reduce waste in NYC and rebuild city soils by giving New Yorkers the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to produce and use compost. The project is funded and managed by the NYC Department of Sanitation's Bureau of Recycling and Sustainability.

Visit BBG’s Composting Exhibit, located near the Children's Garden, to see a variety of compost bins, organic materials in different stages of decomposition, and signs to explain the composting process.

For more information, call the Compost Hotline at 718‑623‑7290 or email compost@bbg.org.

Brooklyn Resources

• Food Scrap Drop-off Sites

  Brooklyn residents can drop off organic waste at these convenient sites. Learn More ›

• Compost Education & Outreach

  The NYC Compost Project offers classes for individuals, schools, and community groups, plus literature for public events. Learn More ›

• Technical Assistance for Community Composting Sites

  Community groups can request assistance and volunteer support for starting and maintaining composting operations. Learn More ›

• Red Hook Community Farm Compost Operation

  Learn about and volunteer for this remarkable large-scale composting operation. Learn More ›

• Low-Cost Composting Equipment

  NYC residents can purchase at-cost compost bins and equipment suitable for urban composting.