Our Projects

NYC Community Compost Network

With support from the City Council, Earth Matter NY continues its work as a compost processing facility and educational organization as part of the NYC Community Compost Network.

What is Earth Matter’s role in the NYC Community Compost Network?

Processing:

• Governors Island has a Zero Waste Island (ZWI) initiative under which Earth Matter processes all of the organics generated on the Island and supplies all the compost used on the Island. We process food scraps, serviceware, and yard debris brought to us by the Governors Island Maintenance Team and Horticulture Team. 
• We process up to 600 tons of organics annually at our New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) registered facility. This includes material from Governors Island as well as NYC residential food scraps collected by community partners such as The Lower East Side Ecology Center and Big Reuse.
• We micro-haul food scraps from our community partners UA3 Community First Food Pantry, The Catholic Worker’s Soup Kitchen, and Fulton Stall Market’s Community Supported Agriculture members.
• We receive wood chips from Greenwood Cemetery and sawdust from Brooklyn Butcher Block and Soxco Stairs. We receive additional woody debris from The High Line and The Alliance for Downtown.

Distribution:

• We produce over 250 cubic yards of finished compost for distribution to Governors Island partners, NYC Parks, GreenThumb community gardens, New York Restoration Project, The High Line, Battery Park City Authority, and individual visitors to Earth Matter.
• Street Tree Care: We apply compost to street tree beds around the city in partnership with schools and other community groups. Interested in partnering with us? Fill out this form.

Public Education:

• Weekend Open Hours: Drop by to join us in a hands-on compost activity and meet our animals on Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 4pm from May through October. 
• Special Activities: Join us for demonstrations and workshops at our Compost Learning Center and at events like Earth Day, Climate Week, Pumpkin Point, and other events on our calendar.
• Individual Volunteers: Volunteer with us to get hands-on experience in composting and urban farming.
• Group Work Days: Groups can arrange visits with us to experience composting, farming, and animal care.

Training Programs:

• Compost & Farm Apprentices (ages 18+) will expand their knowledge of composting and urban farming. This program is great for those who want to start a career in urban ecology, agriculture, horticulture, and/or environmental education. 
• Zero Waste Island Interns (ages 18+) will gain a comprehensive overview of sustainable waste management practices. They will learn alongside staff to lead compost activities and facilitate public programming during Open Hours.
• As one of the only midscale community compost processing sites in NYC, Earth Matter NY is an essential part of the Master Composter Program, offering volunteer hours, tours, field trips, and workshops. See our calendar for opportunities!

Technical Support:

• We provide practical support for compost systems citywide by assisting with compost system set-up, expansion, and maintenance. We also provide education, tools, “browns”, and trouble-shooting.

Want to get involved? Please email: contact@earthmatter.org

What is the Community Compost Network (CCN)?

Earth Matter is one of 14 organizations who came together to create the NYC Community Compost Network. We have been working for years towards a common goal:

transform New York City’s composting landscape and revitalize urban soils.

Our mission is to foster community, create green jobs, nurture green spaces, and enhance the City’s climate resilience by equipping New Yorkers with the skills to produce and use compost locally. We aim to empower everyone, including you, to join our movement. 

These programs are carried out by 14 organizations, including Earth Matter NY, Astoria Pug, Big Reuse, BK ROT, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Brotherhood Sister Sol, Cafeteria Culture, East New York Farms!, GreenFeen OrganiX, The LES Ecology Center, NYBG Bronx Green Up, Queens Botanical Garden, Red Hook Initiative, and Snug Harbor.

Many of these organizations have received funding from the NYC Council. To learn more about the Network overall, click here.

How does CCN make a difference?

We provide green education, local organics processing, and community engagement. We also offer services like compost micro hauling, technical support for volunteer sites, compost distribution, and the Master Composter Training Program.