Meet Bryant Park’s Compost Concierge

As one of the most popular al fresco lunchrooms in town, Bryant Park generates a tremendous amount of trash every weekday. While the park has had attractive, tulip-themed receptacles to sort out recyclables from true garbage for a long time, last winter we tested out a program that separates out compostable materials as well. 

The success of the test run inspired us to make it an official Bryant Park program this summer. Located just north of the Fountain Terrace, the Compost Concierge is there from 12:30pm–2:30pm on weekdays, assisting park patrons who want to be green, but find it confusing as to just what is compostable and what isn’t.

Metro New York took notice and featured the program as its cover story on July 25. The article quotes Kati Solomon, Bryant Park’s Director of Operations: “We noticed there is quite a bit of refuse in the park, and we wanted to make it easy for people. Recycling is not always sorted efficiently without assistance, partly because the system confuses people. We came up with this ‘Compost Concierge’ idea, where someone is here to help people sort.”

The idea has caught on, and Ms. Solomon estimates that “70 percent of people coming by are asking questions about what they can do…” Bryant Park’s organic waste is picked up by NYC’s Department of Sanitation as part of its curbside organics collection route. 

The next time you enjoy lunch at the park, be sure to drop by and ask how best to dispose of your waste. We’ll be happy to tell you.