Location: 472 2nd Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11232 (Sunset Park) 

Transportation:  D, N, R, Bus +  B37 or B63 

Tour guide: Kara Napolitano

Duration: 2:00-3:30pm 

Notes: Please BYO water and snacks 

The Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is the largest and most sophisticated plant for commingled residential recyclables in North America. Originally built and operated by SMR, the recycling facility opened in December 2013 and processes most of New York City’s curbside material. Situated on an 11-acre pier to provide waterfront access, materials from Queens and the Bronx arrive via barge, significantly reducing truck traffic. Brooklyn is home to the Recycling Education Center (REC), an interactive recycling space where visitors learn how the recycling process works and can view our operations from observation platforms.

The site is host to sustainability features including the city’s first commercial-scale wind turbine, a large solar array, native plantings and marine habitats. Designed by Selldorf Architects, the facility won the 2010 Award for Excellence in Design from the Public Design Commission.

Location: 600 West Service Road, Staten Island, NY 10314  

Transportation:  Charter bus from Lower Manhattan / Meet at 8:30

Tour guide: Shannon Erickson, Fresh Kills Park Alliance Director

Duration: 10:00-11:30pm 

Notes: Please BYO water and snacks 

Freshkills Park is a 2,200-acre landfill-to park-project and a model for sustainable land reclamation. This park is the largest park being built in NYC in over 150 years!

Take a site tour around Freshkills Park to spots typically closed to the public within the Department of Sanitation (DSNY). On this tour, the Freshkills Park Alliance and NYC Parks will discuss the past, present, and future of Freshkills Park. Participants will have the opportunity to admire grasslands, wetlands, and wildlife.

Participants will meet at the Department of Sanitation security gate located at 600 West Service Road, Staten Island, NY 10314. This site tour will be led by the Freshkills Park Alliance Director of Education and Development, Shannon Erickson.

Accessibility and Need-to-knows: This will be a driving site tour with multiple stops. At these stops, participants will have the opportunity to get out and explore while learning more about the site. There will be minimal walking required; however, the gravel ground may be uneven at times. Please be tick-aware (wear long pants and closed-toe shoes) and dress appropriately for the weather. The site is completely outdoors. Pets are not allowed on DSNY property. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants will need to sign a waiver before entering the site!

Location:  Central Park The Mount, on the East Side near 104th Street, just behind the Conservatory Garden 

Transportation: 6 train | Bus: M1, M2, M3, M4 

Tour guide:Big Reuse staff 

Duration: 10:00am-11:30am 

Notes: Please BYO water and snacks 

Central Park Conservancy and Big Reuse launched an on-site composting initiative in April 2026 that will convert horticultural waste generated in Central Park into compost used to care for the Park’s landscapes. The composting site will process thousands of pounds of leaves, weeds, and other organic material generated through the Park’s daily care. The resulting compost will be reused throughout Central Park to support soil health, gardens, and landscapes while reducing waste sent off-site. 

The initiative is part of the Conservancy’s broader effort to maximize sustainability in its management of Central Park’s 843 acres, reducing waste and supporting the long-term health of the Park all at once, Funded through New York City Council’s FFY26 Community Composting Program, the initiative demonstrates how public investment can support practical, sustainable infrastructure in City parks, The project also aligns with pending City Council legislation calling for development of composting facilities across New York City parks. 

Location: NYCHA Wagner House - 40 Paladino Avenue 

Tour guide: Brigitte Vicenty 

Duration: 60-90 minutes > Time TBA 

Please BYO water and snacks 

ICGT will introduce NYSACC guests to an interactive resident-led, at-your-door recycling collection program. The Right to Recycle Collection Initiative (R2R) was created to address environmental inequities in underserved communities to make recycling more convenient and accessible for NYCHA residents. The tour will provide guests the opportunity to learn more about ICGT operations, partnerships and the evolution of their environmental justice roots. 

This will include waste diversion and reuse initiatives will feature interactive carnival style educational activities including; Scrape-Ur Plate, ICGT’s food scrap diversion initiative, Re-Uza-Palooza-thon circulation of reusable clothing and household items, Rottenberg Studios and Precious Plastics - NYC - repurposing post consumer plastic in functional products. At the end of the tour participants will have an opportunity to converse and reflect on how to build capacity with NYCHA communities throughout the five boroughs.