Trash & Recycling in Albany, NY (2026)
9 verified trash & recycling rules for Albany, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Albany requires weekly curbside refuse in tied bags or 50-gallon lidded containers, set out only between 4:30 p.m. the day before and 12:01 a.m. on your scheduled collection day, early or late placement risks a fine.
Albany Curbside Trash Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 313-5
Refuse for collection must be placed at curbside prior to 12:01 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, but not before 4:30 p.m. of the prior day.
Bin Placement Rules
Albany bars refuse at the curb before 4:30 p.m. the day before pickup and requires it out by 12:01 a.m. on collection day, per City Code § 313-5.
Albany Trash Curbside Set-Out Window
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 313-5
Refuse for collection must be placed at curbside prior to 12:01 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, but not before 4:30 p.m. of the prior day.
Bulk Item Disposal
Albany requires residents to arrange large-item pickup with the Department of General Services rather than setting appliances or furniture at the curb unannounced.
Albany Bulky Rubbish Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 313-4C
Bulky rubbish. Special arrangements must be made with the Department of General Services for the collection of large items such as household appliances (stoves or refrigerators), overstuffed furniture, wrapped mattresses, wrapped boxsprings, and the like. (1) All mattresses and boxsprings must be bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags or hypoallergenic mattress covers at least 0.8 mm thick. All p...
Recycling Requirements
Albany residents must source-separate newspaper, paper, cardboard, glass, cans and plastic containers for the weekly curbside program, prepared per Department of General Services rules under City Code § 313-13.
Albany Curbside Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 313-13
All designated recyclables placed for collection or at another location by residents for collection pursuant to the curbside programs established pursuant to Article I of this chapter shall be prepared for collection in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Commissioner.
Illegal Dumping
It's illegal to dump litter, debris, or refuse on any public or private property in Albany; violators face escalating fines starting at $100.
Albany Bans Illegal Dumping and Litter
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code §§ 313-39, 313-44
No person shall litter any private property within the City of Albany, whether or not the property is owned by or is within the control of such person. The owner or person in control of any private property shall at all times maintain the property free of litter and shall prevent litter placed in litter receptacles on the property from being carried by the elements upon any public place or priv...
Yard Waste Collection
Albany Department of General Services (DGS) collects yard waste curbside under City Code Chapter 313. Grass clippings and leaves must be set out in biodegradable paper bags: plastic bags are not accepted. Branches must be bundled and tied, no more than 4 feet 4 inches long. Material must be placed curbside the evening prior to the regular collection day. Dirt, stones, and bricks are not accepted.
Albany Yard Waste Collection (Paper-Bag Only)
Some RestrictionsCity of Albany FAQ — Yard Waste Collection
Yard waste for City collection must be placed in a biodegradable paper bag and placed curbside the evening prior to your collection day. Grass and leaves only. No dirt or stones. Branches must be bundled and tied together and should not exceed 4 feet and 4 inches long. Yard waste will not be collected unless it is placed in a paper biodegradable bag. Absolutely no plastic bags.
Dumpster Rules
Albany keeps dumpsters away from sidewalks and front yards, requiring an enclosed area unless the Director of Code Enforcement grants an exemption.
Albany Dumpster Placement & Screening Rules
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 313-42
Unless otherwise authorized by the written consent of the Director of Code Enforcement, all dumpsters located on private property shall be located far enough from sidewalks, public places or public rights-of-way to prevent odor, insects or any other negative impact, including visual impact, upon the character of the public places or streetscapes involved. E. Unless exempted by the Director o...
Collection Schedule
Albany runs a mandatory weekly curbside collection program citywide, with routes and pickup days set by the Department of General Services; residents must place refuse at the curb after 4:30 p.m. the day before collection and before 12:01 a.m. on collection day.
Albany Weekly Curbside Trash Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code §§ 313-2, 313-5
In connection with the refuse collection system introduced to the City of Albany in 1974, there is hereby enacted a curbside collection program to provide for a weekly collection of garbage, trash and other refuse. ... The areas, routes and days of collection shall be determined by the Commissioner of General Services... Refuse for collection must be placed at curbside prior to 12:01 a.m. on th...
Recycling Rules
Albany residents must source-separate newspaper, glass, paper, cardboard, cans, plastic containers and yard waste for curbside pickup; scavenging recyclables or dumping trash in recycling bins is a fine-backed violation under City Code Chapter 313.
Albany Recycling Rules: Mandatory Source Separation
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 313-19
It shall be unlawful for: (1) Any person, other than those persons so authorized, to collect any designated recyclable which has been placed at the roadside for collection or within a recycling collection area pursuant to this article. (2) Any person to violate or to cause to assist in the violation of any provision of this article or any implementing rule or regulation promulgated by the...
Looking for Albany County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albany city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Albany County →