UWSR Eco Letter

September/October 2024
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This free UWSR Eco Letter comes from Upper West Side Recycling six times a year. Here you'll find out about environmental events taking place during the next two or three months, along with a Commentary on an environmental topic relevant to Manhattan's Upper West Side. 

Please distribute this important information to appropriate people in your network and refer them to our website (www.uwsr.org).

Make sure to open and save a copy of our Hard-to-Recycle List for more information on how to recycle a wide variety of items, as well as our list of Environmental Organizations.


Please email us at info@uwsr.org with any information you may have about upcoming environmental events for our consideration.
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(THE EVENTS SECTION FOLLOWS THE COMMENTARY)

COMMENTARY:

DSNY Curbside Composting Expands in Manhattan


Composting food waste is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to reduce our waste stream and our overall environmental impact. You may already be composting, but now the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is making it even easier. 


On October 6, 2024, DSNY will be rolling out its Manhattan Curbside Composting program for all Manhattan residential buildings (apartment buildings and single-family homes), and residential composting will become mandatory in the Spring of 2025. No sign-up is necessary. DSNY will collect food scraps as a separate waste stream on the same day they collect paper and metal/glass/plastic recycling. The Composting Smart Bins already sited on sidewalks throughout the boroughs will remain in use. 


Compostable materials picked up by DSNY include leaf and yard waste, food scraps and food-soiled paper, including meat, bones, dairy, prepared foods, and greasy uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes.


Why Composting is Important



DSNY has made curbside composting a priority because compostable material (i.e., food and other organic waste, including food-soiled paper) comprises a whopping 36 percent of the 24 million pounds of trash and recycling that New Yorkers generate every day.

Reducing rats: As we New Yorkers know all too well, when food waste is mixed in with other trash it attracts rodents, which can easily rip into garbage bags once they are set out on the curb the night before garbage collection. Putting your food scraps into a separate bin with a secure lid significantly reduces this rat problem.


Reducing the cost and impact of transporting NYC’s waste: Composting food scraps and other organic waste also reduces the amount of garbage New York City has to export to other municipalities around the country (and which accelerates the filling up of these other area landfills). And any soil that’s eventually produced in the landfills will have been contaminated by substances such as unrecycled materials like plastics and toxic heavy metals from e-waste.


Reducing our carbon footprint: When you reduce the amount of landfill-bound food waste that you produce it effectively reduces your carbon footprint. Once food waste is deposited in landfills, it starts emitting methane and carbon dioxide. Methane – a potent factor in global warming for about 20 years after its release – is emitted as the organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen). Without oxygen, decomposition of food waste is very slow; thus, an apple in a landfill can remain mostly intact for hundreds of years! Municipal solid waste landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S. Conversely, when food scraps are properly composted, they release significantly less methane, decompose more quickly, and can be used to produce soil, renewable energy, or fertilizer. 


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL COMMENTARY

You can access an ARCHIVE OF PAST COMMENTARIES here.

This Archive is an excellent resource for research and review of

environmental issues that are part of our daily lives.

 

EVENTS


You can assume an event is online if no location is listed. For ongoing events, please check first with the sponsoring organization for their status.


Sometimes we're notified of events after we send you the current bi-monthly issue. Be sure to check here on our website to see any updates.



Electronic & Textile Recycling

(See also our Hard-to-Recycle List)


REMINDER: According to New York State recycling laws it is illegal to put any electronic waste into your trash. Residential buildings will be fined for violations of this law.


Free Electronics Recycling Events


  • Sunday, September 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Manhattan SAFE Disposal Event, Union Square, North Plaza, South side of 17th Street. Info: DSNY
  • Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Fall 2024 E-Waste Recycling Drive, Duffy Square (the corner of 46th Street and 7th Avenue). Info: Broadway Green Alliance


Lower East Side Ecology; 212-477-4022.  Hosts E-Waste recycling events during the year throughout Manhattan. Events occur as scheduled, rain or shine.  


Accepted (unless otherwise noted): Computers and peripherals (monitors, printers, faxes/scanners, keyboards, mice, wires, etc.); TVs; stereo and A/V equipment, VCRs, DVD players; cell and wall phones.

Not Accepted: Microwaves, small appliances, refrigerators, air conditioners, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. If you're not sure about a given item, check with Lower East Side Ecology before you bring it (212-477-4022).


  • Sunday, September 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m, Morningside Avenue between West 112th and West 113th Streets. Info: 212-477-4022, Lower East Side Ecology
  • Saturday, October 26, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m, LaSalle Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. Info: 212-477-4022, Lower East Side Ecology
  • Sunday, November 10, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m, JCC, Amsterdam Avenue between West 75th and West 76th Streets. Info: 212-477-4022, Lower East Side Ecology


Ongoing: Functioning cell phones and chargers can be donated to the Office of Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, 245 West 104th Street. Info: 212.866.3970.


Free Textile Recycling Events

(See also our Hard-to-Recycle List)


  • Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Recycle Textiles, Morningside Park Down-to-Earth Farmers Market, 110th Street & Manhattan Avenue. Info: Down to Earth.
  • Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Recycle Clothing and Other Textiles at both 106th Street & Amsterdam and 991 Amsterdam (in front of the Columbus Amsterdam BID Office). Info: info@columbusamsterdambid.org; 212-666-9774
  • Monday, October 28-Sunday, November 10, 2024, Fall & Winter Children’s Clothing Drive, Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (between 75th & 76th Streets. Info: 646-505-4444, Marlene Meyerson JCC


Wearable Collections will pick up from your building (for more details see our Hard-to-Recycle List).


Accepted by Wearable Collections: Clean textiles, including clothing and shoes, handbags, blankets, sheets, curtains, towels, etc.

Not Accepted: Scraps, pillows, comforters, luggage or carpeting.


Collection of textiles at some greenmarket sites as been temporarily suspended. Check the Grow NYC website for current status.

Currently open:

  • 77th/79th Street Greenmarket [79th Street between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West], 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Sundays
  • Columbia University Greenmarket [Broadway and 116th Street], 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Sundays
  • Inwood Greenmarket [Isham Street between Seaman Avenue and Cooper Street], 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.


Check the Grow NYC website for an up-to-date list of locations and hours for locations to recycle textiles. For information: Grow NYC, (212) 788-7964. Events occur as scheduled, rain or shine.


Also, United War Veterans Council, Salvation Army, and Goodwill will pick up from residential buildings. So will re-fashion NYC (new enrollments are on hold, but you may now submit an application). See the Textiles Section of our Hard-to-Recycle List for more specific information.

Other Recycling/Solid Waste 

(See also our Hard-to-Recycle List)


  • Daily, 2024, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Hell’s Kitchen Commons Food Scrap Drop Off, Mathews Palmer Park, 445 West 45th Street (between 9th & 10th Avenues). Info: 212-477-4022, Lower East Side Ecology
  • Mondays, September 2-November 11, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m, Volunteer at the Compost Compound, West 9th Street near the West Side Highway. Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 1:30 p.m.- 3:00 p.m., Online Materials Exchange: Challenges, Viability, and Reach (online). Info: Northeast Recycling Council
  • Fridays, September 6 & 20, October 4 & 18, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Volunteer at the Riley-Levin Demonstration Garden, Sherman Creek Park, (composting), 3703 10th Avenue. Info: New York Restoration Project
  • Sunday, September 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Manhattan SAFE Disposal Event, Union Square, North Plaza, South side of 17th Street (electronics, light bulbs, rechargeable batteries, household cleaners, automotive and medical products). For a full list of accepted goods and more information see DSNY or call 311.
  • Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, September 25-27, 2024, 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., DFM Composting Program, Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, 4881 Broadway at West 204th Street. Info: Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance, 212-304-9422, and NYC Parks
  • Saturday, September 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Compost Tour, 96th Street Tennis Courts (in Riverside Park). Info: 212-870-3089, NYC Parks
  • September or October 2024, Paper Shredding Event (location, date and time to be determined). Info: Asemblymember Danny O’Donnell, 212-866-3970; odonnelld@nyassembly.gov
  • September or October 2024, Paper Shredding Event, 230 West 72nd Street (date and time to be determined). Info: Asemblymember Linda Rosenthal, 212-873-6368; rosenthall@nyassembly.gov
  • Thursday, October 10, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Paper Shredding Event, (location to be determined). Info: NY State Senator Hoylman-Sigal, 212-633-8052, hoylman@nysenate.gov
  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., No Cost Community Shredding (paper), York Avenue & 91st Street. Info: Rebecca Seawright’s Office, (212) 288-4607, seawrightr@nyassembly.gov
  • Friday, November 15, 2024, New York Recycles! Day (various events). Info: 518-402-8706, Recycling@dec.ny.gov
  • Second Wednesday of each month (except July & August), 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., (location varies), Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board Meeting (online). Info: Manhattan SWAB
  • Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., 350NYC WasteNot Working Group Meeting (online). Info: 350NYC
  • CVS and Duane Reade Pharmacies: Safe disposal of unused medications; drop your unwanted, unused or expired medications in their medication disposal kiosk; no sharps.

Climate Change & Energy

Urban Greening


  • Mondays, September 2 & 16, October 7 & 21, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Volunteer in Fort Washington Park, (Discovery Playground, Hudson River Greenway). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Wednesdays, September 4-December 4, 2024, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Volunteer at Sakura Park (north of West 122nd Street between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Thursdays, September 5 - November 14, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Island Vibes: Restoring the Riverside Drive Islands. Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Fridays, September 6 & 20, 2024, 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Volunteer at the Riley-Levin Demonstration Garden, 3710 10th Avenue, (Sherman Creek Park). Info: New York Restoration Project
  • Tuesdays, September 10, October 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m., Volunteer at West 143rd Street (at Riverside Drive). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Thursday, September 12, 2024, 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Volunteer at Luigi's Garden of Love, 227 West 115th Street. Info: Kyleen.Sanchez@parks.nyc.gov, NYC Parks
  • Sundays, September 15, October 13, 2024, 1:20 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Volunteer: Highbridge Forest Park (Park entrance at 190th Street and Amsterdam Avenue). Info: New York Restoration Project
  • Sundays, September 15, October 20, November 17, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Fort Tryon Park Sunday Stewardship, Heather Garden’s Margaret Corbin Circle entrance. Info: Fort Tryon Park Trust, (212) 795-1388
  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., West Side Tree Care Clinic, St. Agnes Library, 444 Amsterdam Avenue (between 81st & 82nd Streets. Info: Gale Brewer’s office, 212-873-0282, West Side Tree Care Clinics
  • Saturdays, September 28, October 26, November 23, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Gardening Ralph Ellison Memorial, 730 Riverside Drive (West 150th Street). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Saturday, October 5th, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Espalier Fruit Trees for Beginners, Pa `lante Garden, 1651 Madison Avenue (NE corner of East 110th Street). Info: greenthumbinfo@parks.nyc.gov, NYC Parks
  • Saturday, October 26th, 2024, City of Forest Day (events throughout NYC). Info: Forest for All NYC
  • Saturday, November 16, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Riverside Park’s Annual Leaf Lift, 730 Riverside Drive (West 150th Street). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., West Side Tree Care Clinic, Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (between 75th & 76th Streets. Info: Gale Brewer’s office, 212-873-0282, West Side Tree Care Clinics. 
  • First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., CB9 Landmarks Preservation & Parks Committee Meeting [via Zoom]. Info: CB9, (212) 864-6200
  • Third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., New York City Community Garden Coalition Monthly Meeting, Neighborhood Preservation Center, 232 East 11th Street. Info: NYC Community Garden Coalition, (212) 228-2781. 

Environmental - Miscellaneous


  • Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Northern Manhattan Parks Super Hike, West 218th Street and Indian Road in Inwood Hill Park. Info: 212-304-2277, NYC Parks
  • Saturdays, September 7, October 5, November 2, 2024, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Volunteer at the Bird Sanctuary (meet at 120th Street and Riverside Drive). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Saturdays, September 7 & 21, 2024, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., Billion Oyster Project Presentation (Pier at 125th Street). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070, and Billion Oyster Project
  • Friday, September 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Summer on the Hudson: Birding Walks, 120th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park). Info: NYC Parks, 212-870-3089, soh@riversideparknyc.org
  • Second and Fourth Saturdays, September 14 through November 23, 2024 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., Broadway Beautification Days (Broadway Greeting Garden at the Arden Street/Broadway entrance), Info: Fort Tryon Park Trust and NYC Parks
  • Friday, September 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 2024 Environmental Economics and Policy Conference: Future Environment, The Forum at Columbia University, 601 West 125th Street. Info: Center for Environmental Economics and Policy, andrew.donini@columbia.edu, Columbia Climate School
  • Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., International Coastal Clean-up 2024 (various locations). Info: Riverside Park Conservancy, 212-870-3070
  • Sunday, September 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Birding: Fall Migration, 100th Street and Central Park West in Central Park. Info: (212) 360-1444, NYC Parks
  • Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Rethinking Water Conference 2024, The Forum at Columbia University, 601 West 125th Street. Info: https://347-901-0924, Columbia Climate School, jr3056@Columbia.edu
  • Friday, September 27, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Towards Sustainable Cities: Clean Air and Energy, Innovation Hub (2nd Floor), Columbia University, 2276 12th Avenue. Info: Columbia University Center for Science and Society, amn2199@columbia.edu
  • Saturdays, September 28, October 26, November 30, 2024, 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m., Riverside Park Birding Club, 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park). Info: NYC Parks
  • Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Community Ecology Reading Group: Trees, Wildlife, and Waterways Walk, Collect Pond Park, Leonard Street between Centre and Lafayette. Info: greenthumbinfo@parks.nyc.gov, NYC Parks
  • Third Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m., CB 7 Parks & Environment Committee Meeting, 250 West 87th Street, 2nd floor. Info: (212) 362-4008; office@cb7.org
  • Second Wednesday of each month, CB9 Health & Environment Committee Meeting, 16-18 Old Broadway. Info: (212) 864-6200; info@cb9m.org
  • Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Food and Water Watch Meeting (via Zoom). Info: Food and Water Watch, (347) 778-2743; Ethical Culture Society, (212) 874-5210
  • Second Saturday of every month, (except July, August, and December), WE ACT Membership Meeting, 1854 Amsterdam Avenue (at 152nd Street), 2nd Floor. Info: WE ACT, membership@weact.org, 212-961-1000
  • Fourth Sunday of each month, 1:15 p.m., Environmental Stewardship Committee (via Zoom). Info: Ethical Culture Society, (212) 874-5210
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Jeff Twine & Scottie Twine, Editors
Contact: info@uwsr.org    Web site:  www.uwsr.org
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