Today, Big Reuse, Earth Matter NY, and LES Ecology Center announced that they received philanthropic funding to support their community composting programs impacted by the city’s budget cuts. Funding for these services was due to end on January 1, 2024. The donation comes a week after GrowNYC received an anonymous donation to maintain their compost collection program for the fiscal year. In response, Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Sandy Nurse, Chair of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, and Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance, issued the following statement: 

“We are relieved that a second wave of philanthropic funding will preserve operations of the remaining community composting programs into the spring, including those run by Big Reuse, Earth Matter NY, and LES Ecology Center. This private contribution will prevent the loss of some of the 40 green jobs within these organizations during the holiday season. However, it must be reiterated that philanthropic support for community composting should supplement, not supplant funding from the City. Community based compost programs are vital to moving New York City closer to our sustainability goals and must be protected. 

“The immense public outcry over the Mayor’s November Plan cutting funds for these programs is a testament to New Yorkers’ commitment to combating the effects of climate change. City government’s commitment must match that of New Yorkers, and the Administration must work with the Council and all stakeholders to protect community composting in the city’s coming budgets.”  

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