Waste Warrior Volunteer

Madison Square Park, a seven-acre urban site, is located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District at East 23rd Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues. Madison Square Park Conservancy raises the funds that support a program of commissioned contemporary public art, lush horticulture, park maintenance, park security, and free public programs. The park provides an urban oasis for neighbors, families, communities, and workers.

Madison Square Park Conservancy aims to sustainably steward a healthy greenspace far into the future by nurturing the ecosystems that exist in the park and striving to reduce carbon emissions that cause climate change. We will inspire communities to become more sustainable by sharing our experience.

Nearly 18,000 pounds of trash and recycling is collected in the park each month. As part of our sustainability initiative, we are committed to reducing the waste we send to landfill 40% by 2030. As a Madison Square Park Waste Warrior you will join our team to improve recycling and composting efforts and educate community members on best practices for reducing waste. Your efforts will decrease carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and protect the park’s wildlife habitats, garden beds and water sources from litter and harmful chemicals. You will also make waste management more efficient for park staff and decrease pests in the park.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Madison Square Park Waste Warriors will work with the Sustainability Manager to:

Help visitors sort waste in the park at lunchtime and on weekends
Attend events to help guests sort waste
Conduct outreach to local businesses to access programs that encourage waste reduction strategies
Assist with the annual waste audit
Periodically observe waste containers in the park, recording observations about materials that are missorted, visitor’s misconceptions around sorting recyclable and compostable materials
Assist GrowNYC staff with food-scrap drop off

Minimum Requirements

Interest in NYC’s recycling and composting programs
MSPC is actively recruiting volunteers
This opportunity does require lifting, bending and some tasks that may be considered physically strenuous

How To Apply

Email volunteer@madisonsquarepark.org with the subject line “Waste Volunteer” include:

A brief letter including your interests and past experience
Availability to volunteer