Leaf
NYC Composting System
Spring 2023
Leaf is a compost collection service located on the curbsides of NYC, allowing everyone to have access to composting. Residents can drop off their food wastes and organic wastes in the LEAF composters located on the curbsides. Once the users drop off their wastes, they will receive a compost token on the LEAF app. They can use the token to pick up a pack of compost amendment once the composting process is finished.
Trash accumulation on the curbside of NYC has caused significant environmental pollution, attracting rats while emitting methane and odor.
In 2022, only 7 out of the 59 community district in NYC have access to compost collection service. In most community districts, compostables are excluded from the trash pick-up service by the NYC Sanitation Department. Residents are required to drop-off their compostables at designated locations.
With limited access to composting, the majority of the 8 million pounds compostables are being left on the street with solid wastes and recyclables every day.
Leaf Composting System
Service Area
Manhattan Community District 2
Manhattan Community District 4
Manhattan Community District 8
Manhattan Community District 9
Queens Community District 2
Leaf covers community districts without the Compost Pick Up Service provided by DSNY. As of 2022, these areas have younger populations with the majority being from 25 to 39 years old. Their annual income ranges from 50,000$ to 120,000$. Residents who belong to this group demonstrate more awareness in sustainablity and demands for cleaner and greener living conditions.
Leaf Composter
Ideation
Gates
Tumblers
Amendment Storage
Delivery System
1. Unlock gates and throw organic wastes into the gates.
2. Organic wastes drop into the tumblers. Refrigeration actives until a tumbler is filled up and composting begins.
3. After the composting process is finished, compost soil is being transfered to the storage.
4. Users can pick up their pack of compost amendment with their online token.
How to use it?
Use the LEAF app to find your nearest composter
2. Unlock the bin and drop off your organic wastes in the composter
4. Pick up your compost amendment
3. Receive a compost token on Leaf app
