DEC Launching Food Scrap Composting Pilot at Wilmington Notch and Meadowbrook Campgrounds

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is celebrating New York State Compost Awareness Week through May 10, in support of statewide efforts encouraging local communities to explore the benefits of composting. The 2025 New York State Compost Awareness Week is “Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost,” which highlights composting opportunities, including backyard home composting, local composting programs, and large-scale commercial facilities. 

“Composting is something all New Yorkers can do to support building sustainable communities and reduce the impacts of solid waste on landfills,” Acting DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “DEC is thrilled to join our partners statewide to celebrate New York State Compost Awareness Week and encourages everyone to explore the benefits of composting. From diverting food scraps for recycling and providing financial assistance to communities and organizations for composting programs, DEC is committed to ongoing efforts to increase composting and prevent emissions that contribute to climate change.” 

New York State’s Nation-Leading Efforts to Reduce Food Waste 

Composting organic materials such as yard trimmings and food scraps provides many benefits, including reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or combustion facilities. Reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills reduces the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

New York is a national leader on environmental issues, including advancing comprehensive waste management efforts to address the impacts of solid waste on climate change and increasing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices among New Yorkers. Among the many efforts underway, DEC continues to implement the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law to help reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling while providing quality food to New Yorkers in need. Through a partnership with Feeding New York State, the program successfully diverts tens of millions of pounds of food away from landfills. In February 2025, the program reached a record 43.5 million pounds of food donated since launching in 2022. 

DEC previously awarded nearly $7.25 million to municipalities dedicated to organics management. Funds for organics management-related projects have also been distributed through DEC’s Climate Smart Communities grant program, as well as the Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling program. DEC offered two grant programs in 2024, each providing $1.25 million for Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives and Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment. Additionally, DEC previously awarded more than $3.25 million to emergency food relief organizations.  

Food Scrap Composting Pilot to Launch at DEC Campgrounds 

In May, DEC will be launching a food scrap composting pilot program at two campgrounds — Wilmington Notch and Meadowbrook in Essex County — when the facilities open for the season. The pilot program will empower New Yorkers to be more sustainable when enjoying the beauty of the Adirondacks this summer. Information gathered during the pilot will be used to inform the expansion of composting to more DEC facilities. 

Composting Resources 

Individuals, organizations, and local governments interested in connecting with other compost educators or community organizers during 2025 NYS Compost Awareness Week or who would like to receive the Compost Awareness Week Outreach Toolkit is encouraged to contact DEC’s Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov. 

DEC will be rolling out additional programs to increase composting across the State later this year. For more information about how all New Yorkers can help compost and take other steps to reduce food waste at homes and businesses, visit DEC’s website.