NYC Compost

BigBelly Solar

About this app

NYC Smart Compost app enables finding and unlocking compost drop-off at curbside bins located in the NYC area, it also allows users to learn information about the composting program, details on how to use the curbside bins, what types of food/materials can be composted with this program, and report issues with the curbside bins.

Ratings and reviews

Surprised more ppl aren't aware of this app. It's awesome... has worked perfectly for me for years. Download it and a map shows locations of installed metal bins all over the city. I use one right at the end of our block in Brooklyn. You bring up the app as you get near the bin, a light on the bin flashes green and voila... it automatically opens for you to put compost in. The app even indicates how full the bin is, where the next nearest one is, etc.

I prefer opening the bin with the card. It was so much easier: just tap. With the app, I have to 1st put down my compost on the ground, then fiddle with my phone with two hands to unlock the bin. Also, the card was so much easier when other family members wanted to use it. Now everyone has to have a smart phone. Please make the card keys usable again!

The app's performance may vary with the NFC features of your phone, but for me it seems to know when I'm standing in front of a bin, and it lets me unlock the bin. The one thing it doesn't do at the moment is recognize when it has succeeded in unlocking the bin. There's no visual or audio feedback from the bin itself (not even a click), so you have to just try the door and if it doesn't work press "unlock" on the app again.

What’s new

Fix issue unlocking Bins when no data services are available