Trash & Recycling in New York, NY (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for New York, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
DSNY collects residential trash, recyclables, and organics on a set schedule by address. Admin Code §16-120 governs waste set-out times and container requirements. NYC is transitioning to containerized collection under the Clean Containers program. Commercial waste is handled by private carters regulated by the Business Integrity Commission.
New York City Trash Pickup Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
NYC requires trash bins to be placed at the curb, not on the sidewalk, for collection. Bins must be set out no earlier than 8 PM (under new containerization rules) and retrieved by 9 PM on collection day. Bins cannot permanently occupy sidewalk space.
New York City Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
DSNY collects large bulk items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) curbside on regular collection days at no additional charge. Items must be placed at the curb by 8 PM the night before collection. Refrigerators and air conditioners require CFC removal before collection. Electronics require separate DSNY e-waste pickup.
New York City Bulk Item Disposal Rules
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
NYC mandates recycling under Local Law 19 of 1989 (Admin Code §16-306) and DSNY Rules (16 RCNY Chapter 1). Residents must separate metal, glass, plastic, and cartons (MGP) from paper and cardboard. Failure to recycle carries fines starting at $25 for the first warning, escalating to $100–$300.
New York City Recycling Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
Local Law 85 of 2023 amended Administrative Code section 16-308 to require Department of Sanitation curbside organics collection in all five boroughs by October 6, 2024, with mandatory source separation and DSNY enforcement starting April 1, 2025.
Local Law 85 phases citywide curbside organics collection by fall 2024
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for New York County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement New York city rules.
Trash & Recycling in New York County →