Evaluating How New York City’s Recycling and Organic Waste Systems Reduce Resource Waste and Methane Emissions

Authors

Zihan Cao, CUNY New York City College of TechnologyFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 12-4-2025

Abstract

This study analyzes New York City’s waste management systems, with a focus on food waste diversion, composting, and renewable energy initiatives, to assess their role in methane emission reduction and resource efficiency. The analysis highlights the relative effectiveness of different waste management pathways and suggests that community-scale composting and decentralized anaerobic digestion are associated with substantial methane reductions relative to cost.

Comments

This poster was presented at the 43rd Semi-Annual Dr. Janet Liou-Mark Honors & Undergraduate Research Poster Presentation, Dec. 4, 2025. Mentor: Prof. Sean MacDonald (Social Science).