GrowNYC
Waste Sorting & Public Engagement Program for GrowNYC Public Markets
Summary
Advancing NYC's Zero Waste initiative by coordinating waste sorting programs and leading public engagement at GrowNYC public markets, improving recycling compliance and increasing community participation in waste reduction.
Key Achievements
Coordinated waste sorting programs at Tribeca and Bowling Green public markets, tracking collection volumes to measure performance.
Led public engagement and education on waste sorting, contamination prevention, and the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot/Recover).
Organized and ran a petition campaign to build community buy-in for waste reduction.
The Challenge
New York City's Zero Waste initiative aims to send zero waste to landfills by 2030, most recently codified through the city's Zero Waste Act (2023). Achieving this goal depends on improving recycling and diversion in public spaces, but low public awareness and contamination in recycling streams stood in the way. GrowNYC needed coordinated, on-the-ground programs to sort waste effectively and educate the public at its markets.
How We Helped
Managed daily collection points at Tribeca and Bowling Green markets, sorting waste and logging volumes to track performance.
Engaged directly with market visitors and vendors, providing real-time education on proper sorting to reduce contamination.
Built community buy-in for waste reduction through an organized petition campaign.
The Impact
Strengthened recycling compliance at two of GrowNYC's public markets through sustained, on-the-ground coordination.
Grew community engagement in waste reduction, evidenced by the success of the petition campaign.
Advanced public understanding of 4R practices, contributing to NYC's broader Zero Waste Act (2023) goals.
