App Profile: NYC Compost

Evan Katz (Manhattan)

Rating: 4/5

UPDATE — The app needs to be much more clear. Bluetooth indeed is fully turned on, and is working perfectly. However, iOS apparently has a setting where you have to permit apps access to Bluetooth on a one-by-one basis. The app should make that much more clear. That is, we had to turn on the setting for this specific app, even though I was turned on for all other devices. And after we did so, no more error message. PRIOR ONE-STAR REVIEW — My family and I are huge composters, and we been composting for many years. So, we were very excited to use this new app and be able to compost right in our apartment building. Unfortunately, however, the app does not work at all. Because when we launch the app, it gives an incorrect error message, falsely stating that our Bluetooth is not turned on. However, of course, our Bluetooth always is on. We have tried rebooting the app, rebooting the iPhone, and many other things, but the app still does not work, because each time it incorrectly reports that Bluetooth is turned off, which is completely mistaken. Every other device works with Bluetooth, so the app has no idea what it’s talking about.

ipad user trying to edit

Rating: 4/5

I’ve been using this on an iPad and found it reliable. Don’t forget to use the foot pedal on the bin, this is the best way to open the bin. At first I was using the handle, until I noticed the food pedal. Occasionally the apps or the bins don’t behave right, but you can go to another bin down the street and presto it works. Spend some time studying the app and check out your local bins. I can’t be sure whether the app requires Wi-Fi, but it does want Bluetooth. The 86th and 2nd bin is great because there is a free Wi-Fi nearby via Linksys, and this kicks in for me…

Ambling Along in NYC

Rating: 5/5

I was ridiculously excited to see one of these bins in my neighborhood, then skeptical (typical New Yorker) of whether this program would work as well as it should. As it turns out, it works great. See whether your bin is available or full, open it without trouble using the Bluetooth connection. Three bins within walking distance of my home, never full, available 24/7, accepting of all types of food scraps—the perfect combination for easy composting. No issues whatsoever with the app after several weeks of use.