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Trash & Recycling in Utica, NY (2026)

5 verified trash & recycling rules for Utica, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Utica collects garbage (City blue bags) and recyclables once a week per zone. Set-out time is between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. the night before your collection day; putting items out at other times violates local law and can bring a notice.

Utica Trash & Recycling: Once-Weekly Collection

Some Restrictions

Utica City Code Ch. 2-22, Art. V; OHSWA set-out rules

Set-out time is between 5 PM and 11 PM on the night before your collection day.

Bin Placement Rules

Garbage (City blue bags) and recyclables must be placed between the sidewalk and the curb for collection, set out only between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. the night before pickup. Empty cans and containers must be removed from the City curb after collection.

Utica Bin Placement: Sidewalk-to-Curb

Some Restrictions

OHSWA / City of Utica DPW set-out rules (Ch. 2-22)

Recyclables cannot be placed in plastic bags for collection. No plastic bags, string, trash or green waste is allowed in your recycling container.

Bulk Item Disposal

Utica DPW runs seasonal bulk green-waste collection (spring and fall) for grass, leaves, weeds and bundled branches under 4 inches thick and 50 pounds, set out in open 30-gallon containers. Large piles of trees, stone or dirt require an OHSWA fee quote first.

Utica Bulk & Green Waste Pickup Rules

Some Restrictions

Recycling Requirements

Utica requires every person to separate recyclables from other solid waste, with the Commissioner defining what counts and how to separate. Recyclables set at the curb must be in the City recycling container, and no non-recyclables may be put in that container.

Utica Mandatory Recycling Separation Rules

Some Restrictions

Utica City Code § 2-22-121

Each person shall provide for the separation of recyclables from other solid waste, and what constitutes recyclables and the particular requirements for separation shall be as determined by the Commissioner.

Illegal Dumping

It is unlawful in Utica to set out for collection any refuse or bulk item not produced at that address, or to bring refuse into the City or between addresses to use public collection. Those who illegally dump on another's property pay all cleanup and disposal costs.

Utica Illegal Dumping & Refuse Diversion Ban

Some Restrictions

Utica City Code Ch. 2-22 (Solid Waste)

It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit for collection any refuse or bulk item not produced at the address which the collection is made or to bring any refuse or bulk item into the City or from one address to another within the City for the purpose of taking advantage of the public collection service.

Looking for Oneida County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Utica city rules.

Trash & Recycling in Oneida County