New York City is implementing new bin designs to improve waste management, including locked communal receptacles and bright-orange Smart Bins for compostable materials. Access to the Smart Bins requires downloading the NYC Compost app, which aims to prevent contamination by ensuring only compostable materials are disposed of in the bins. The Department of Sanitation hopes that the app will provide just the right amount of friction to encourage people to be intentional about what they throw out and prevent non-compostable materials from ending up in the bins.

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