Dog Poo Compost Plan Combats Climate Change In Battery Park City

BATTERY PARK CITY, NY — The Battery Park City Authority wants you to compost your dog's poop as a part of a way to fight climate change in your own backyard.

The puppy poo compost pilot program will launch at three dog runs in Battery Park City: the North End Avenue Island, 'Sirius' at Kowsky Plaza, and at the south end of West Thames Park, the authority announced Thursday.

"With this new initiative, we're picking up the pace of our efforts to further reduce waste and harmful methane emissions," said authority president B.J. Jones, referring to the greenhouse gas methane that's released from organic waste slowly decomposing in landfills contributes to warming temperatures.

But instead of slowing decomposing with veggie scraps and coffee grounds in a landfill, all that waste will now be taken to the authority's parks operation headquarters to be composted into nutrient-rich soils for the leafy nabe's landscapes. The dog poo will be composted processed in an aerobic breakdown, meaning with oxygen and properly aerated, and will be in addition to existing compost programs the authority has.

Residents, staff and local businesses' contribute food waste and wood chips from holiday trees also contribute to the authority's compost programs.

Inspired by Brooklyn's East River State Park, the authority is adding the dog poop program to the roster. The authority estimates some 75 pounds of dog poo a day is produced at the dog runs in Battery Park City.

Last year, the authority composted more than 20,000 pounds of waste.

"The dedication of BPCA staff to being environmental stewards is nothing short of incredible, and this dog waste composting program is just another example of their commitment to making a difference," said Ryan Torres, the authority's assistant director of parks operations.

The pilot will run for at least one year as composting wonks test converting the puppy poo into compost, finding the proper balance of carbon and nitrogen, the authority says. Staffers will log how much poop is collected, how much saw dust and wood chips are added to the mix to successfully convert it, and how to best inform neighbors how to participate in the program — such as not dumping plastic bags into the collection bins.

Here's a video and flyer from the authority on how to participate:

This article has been updated to clarify the new pilot program will be separate from existing composting programs.