NYC Trash Collection Rules curbside | Recycling & Compost Guide ( pdf 2026 ver)

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  • NYC Trash Collection Rules curbside | Recycling & Compost Guide ( pdf 2026 ver)
  • NYC Trash Collection Rules curbside | Recycling & Compost Guide ( pdf 2026 ver)
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NYC Garbage, Recycling & Compost Collection Guide

Easy-to-Read Guide for NYC Property Owners, Building Managers, Landlords, Tenants & Residents

Keeping New York City clean begins with properly disposing of trash, recycling, and compost. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has specific rules regarding when waste may be placed at the curb, what containers must be used, how recyclable materials and compost must be separated, and the penalties for violations.

Failure to follow these requirements may result in sanitation violations and monetary fines.

TRASH SET-OUT TIMES

Residential Buildings with 1–9 Residential Units

Trash may be placed at the curb:

After 6:00 PM

Requirements:

  • Trash must be placed inside containers.
  • Containers must be 55 gallons or smaller.
  • Containers must have secure, tight-fitting lids.
  • Lids must remain completely closed.
  • All trash should be placed out before midnight unless your collection schedule specifies otherwise.

Residential Buildings with 10 or More Residential Units

There are two approved options.

Option 1 – Using Containers

Place trash at the curb:

  • After 6:00 PM
  • Inside containers that are 55 gallons or smaller
  • Containers must have secure lids

Option 2 – Using Trash Bags

If placing trash bags directly on the curb, they may only be placed out:

After 8:00 PM

All waste should be placed out before midnight unless otherwise instructed by DSNY.

YOU MAY RECEIVE A SANITATION VIOLATION IF YOU:

  • Place trash out before the permitted time.
  • Place trash out on the wrong collection day.
  • Leave loose garbage on the sidewalk.
  • Use damaged or broken containers.
  • Leave container lids open.
  • Overfill containers so lids cannot close.
  • Allow garbage to spill onto sidewalks.
  • Fail to properly separate recycling or compost.

TRASH SET-OUT PENALTIES

Violation

Fine

First Offense

$50

Second Offense

$100

Third and Each Additional Offense

$200

TRASH CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS

Residential properties containing 1 through 9 residential units must use containers for regular trash collection.

Containers must:

  • Hold no more than 55 gallons.
  • Have secure lids.
  • Keep rodents and pests out.
  • Prevent trash from blowing away.
  • Allow lids to close completely.

Do not:

  • Overfill containers.
  • Leave lids open.
  • Use broken or damaged bins.
  • Allow trash to overflow.

OFFICIAL NYC TRASH BINS

Beginning June 2026, residential properties containing 1 through 9 residential units are required to use Official NYC Trash Bins for regular trash collection.

Property owners should ensure they have enough approved containers to hold all household waste without overflowing.

RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS

Recycling is required throughout New York City.

Every resident, landlord, tenant, property owner, and business must separate recyclable materials from household trash.

Failure to recycle properly may result in violations and fines.

METAL, GLASS, PLASTIC & CARTONS

The following materials should be placed together:

  • Aluminum cans
  • Steel cans
  • Glass bottles
  • Glass jars
  • Plastic bottles
  • Plastic containers
  • Beverage cartons
  • Milk cartons
  • Juice cartons

These materials must be placed in:

  • Clearly labeled recycling containers with secure lids

OR

  • Clear plastic bags.

PAPER & CARDBOARD

The following materials should be separated from regular trash:

  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Office paper
  • Junk mail
  • Books
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Shipping cartons
  • Paper packaging

Place these materials in:

  • Clearly labeled recycling containers

OR

  • Clear plastic bags.

Cardboard may also be:

  • Flattened
  • Bundled
  • Tied securely with twine

Do not use cardboard boxes as recycling containers.

RECYCLING CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS

Recycling containers should be clearly labeled.

If using bags for recycling, only clear plastic bags are permitted.

Black garbage bags should not be used for recyclable materials.

RECYCLING PENALTIES

Violation

Fine

First Offense

$50

Second Offense

$100

Third and Each Additional Offense

$200

COMPOST COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

Beginning April 1, 2025, compost separation became mandatory throughout New York City.

Food waste and other compostable materials must be separated from regular household trash.

COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS INCLUDE:

  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Bones
  • Bread
  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Coffee grounds
  • Tea bags
  • Eggshells
  • Food scraps
  • Food-soiled paper
  • Napkins
  • Paper towels
  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Yard waste
  • Small branches
  • Twigs

COMPOST CONTAINERS

Compost should be placed inside:

  • Labeled containers
  • Containers that hold 55 gallons or less
  • Containers with secure lids

OR

Official DSNY Brown Compost Bins.

Containers may be lined with:

  • Clear plastic bags
  • Paper bags
  • Compostable bags

Extra leaves and yard waste may be placed in:

  • Paper lawn bags
  • Clear plastic bags

Branches and twigs should be bundled using twine.

COMPOST PENALTIES

Buildings with 1–8 Residential Units

Violation

Fine

First Offense

$25

Second Offense

$50

Third and Each Additional Offense

$100

Buildings with 9 or More Residential Units

Violation

Fine

First Offense

$100

Second Offense

$200

Third and Each Additional Offense

$300

MATTRESS & BOX SPRING DISPOSAL

To help prevent the spread of bed bugs, every mattress and box spring placed at the curb for collection must be:

  • Completely enclosed inside a clear plastic mattress bag.
  • Completely sealed before collection.

Improperly prepared mattresses or box springs may result in violations.

MATTRESS DISPOSAL PENALTIES

Violation

Fine

First Offense

$50

Second Offense

$100

Third and Each Additional Offense

$200

BEFORE YOU PUT WASTE OUT

Before placing waste at the curb, verify the following:

  • Today is your scheduled collection day.
  • Trash is being placed out after the permitted time.
  • Containers are no larger than 55 gallons.
  • Container lids are securely closed.
  • Trash is completely contained inside the bin.
  • Recycling has been separated.
  • Compost has been separated.
  • Cardboard has been flattened and bundled if necessary.
  • Mattresses are sealed inside a clear plastic mattress bag.
  • All waste is placed out before midnight unless your collection schedule specifies otherwise.

WHY THESE RULES ARE IMPORTANT

Following New York City sanitation requirements helps:

  • Reduce rats and other pests.
  • Keep sidewalks and streets clean.
  • Prevent litter from blowing into neighborhoods.
  • Improve public health.
  • Reduce odors.
  • Increase recycling and composting.
  • Protect the environment.
  • Avoid unnecessary violations and fines.

 

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

This webpage is provided solely as a general informational resource and customer courtesy. It is not intended to serve as legal advice, code compliance advice, or an official interpretation of any federal, New York State, New York City, or Department of Sanitation (DSNY) law, rule, regulation, policy, or enforcement practice.

Sanitation laws, recycling requirements, compost regulations, collection schedules, container requirements, penalties, and enforcement policies may change at any time without notice. Additional rules, exceptions, or requirements may apply depending on your property type, occupancy, zoning, or location.

Property owners, landlords, building managers, tenants, contractors, and residents are solely responsible for verifying all current requirements directly with the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and any other applicable government agencies before relying on the information provided on this page. When necessary, consult a qualified attorney or licensed professional regarding your specific situation.

We are a small family-owned business and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the City of New York or any government agency. This guide is offered free of charge solely for educational and informational purposes. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or current applicability of the information contained herein and expressly disclaim all liability for any errors, omissions, outdated information, violations, penalties, fines, losses, damages, or other consequences arising from the use of or reliance upon this webpage. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk.

 

 
 
 
 
 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, AND TERMS OF USE

INDEPENDENT SMALL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS NOTICE

We are an independent privately owned small family-owned business operating in the United States.

We are NOT the City of New York, HPD, DOB, FDNY, DSNY, DEP, DOT, DHCR, HUD, OSHA, EPA, FEMA, any state agency, any federal agency, or any governmental, quasi-governmental, regulatory, enforcement, housing, building, fire, transportation, sanitation, environmental, health, public safety, or public authority organization.

We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, approved by, sponsored by, authorized by, certified by, partnered with, or connected in any manner with any governmental agency or authority.

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Information may become outdated, amended, revised, superseded, interpreted differently, or withdrawn without notice.

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We make no representation, warranty, or guarantee that any information provided is accurate, complete, current, reliable, applicable, legally sufficient, or appropriate for any specific situation.

Users assume all risk associated with reliance upon any information provided.

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Nothing provided by our company shall be construed as:

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No attorney-client, consultant-client, architect-client, engineer-client, contractor-client, professional-client, or fiduciary relationship is created through the use of our website, purchase of products, receipt of materials, or communication with our company.

Customers should consult qualified attorneys, architects, engineers, code consultants, licensed contractors, fire protection professionals, insurance professionals, accountants, and applicable governmental authorities regarding their specific circumstances.

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Such materials remain the property of their respective agencies and organizations.

Our company does not create, maintain, update, approve, certify, validate, or control the contents of such governmental publications.

Government agencies may revise, amend, replace, withdraw, reinterpret, or update such materials at any time without notice.

Customers should always consult the original official governmental source for the most current information.

Official government publications, agency guidance, statutes, regulations, rules, code provisions, interpretations, and enforcement positions shall always control over any summary, reproduction, attachment, description, reference, or explanation provided by our company.

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The customer, property owner, landlord, management company, architect, engineer, contractor, installer, purchaser, building owner, consultant, and end user bear sole and exclusive responsibility for determining:

• Whether signage is required
• What signage is required
• Applicable laws and regulations
• Sign wording and content
• Sign dimensions and specifications
• Material requirements
• Installation requirements
• Placement requirements
• Inspection requirements
• Permit requirements
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Purchasing any sign, sign package, decal, placard, marker, notice, template, guide, checklist, flyer, brochure, or informational material from us does not constitute compliance with any law, code, regulation, ordinance, permit, inspection requirement, insurance requirement, governmental directive, court order, or regulatory obligation.

SIGNAGE DISCLAIMER

All signs, labels, notices, placards, decals, markers, plates, directories, room identification signs, building signs, compliance signs, and related products are provided solely as physical products.

We do not certify, guarantee, warrant, represent, or promise that any product:

• Meets any legal requirement
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• Prevents injury or property damage
• Eliminates legal obligations
• Eliminates regulatory obligations

The purchaser is solely responsible for determining suitability for the intended application.

INSTALLATION DISCLAIMER

Improper installation may create safety hazards, accessibility issues, regulatory violations, inspection failures, property damage, personal injury, or death.

We assume no responsibility whatsoever for:

• Installation methods
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• Placement decisions
• Fasteners selected
• Adhesive selection
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• Electrical connections
• Maintenance practices
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All installation decisions remain the sole responsibility of the purchaser, installer, contractor, property owner, and building owner.

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WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION:

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NO ORAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENT SHALL CREATE ANY WARRANTY NOT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN A WRITTEN AGREEMENT SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR COMPANY.

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WHETHER ARISING FROM CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, PRODUCT LIABILITY, WARRANTY, STATUTE, EQUITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.

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We do not control, endorse, verify, guarantee, maintain, or assume responsibility for third-party content and shall not be liable for any reliance placed upon such content.

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This Legal Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability, and Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Any dispute, claim, or legal proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located within the State of New York.

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By accessing our website, downloading materials, receiving information, purchasing products, requesting services, viewing content, or using any product, document, publication, flyer, guide, brochure, checklist, sign, or informational material provided by our company, the user acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by this Legal Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability, and Terms of Use.

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