Trash & Recycling in Queens County, NY (2026)

4 rules for unincorporated Queens County, New York.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Queens County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

DSNY collects Queens trash on district schedules. Under 2024 rules, trash must be in lidded bins set out after 6 p.m. the night before collection or 4 a.m. day of.

Queens (NYC) Trash and Recycling Pickup Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bin Placement Rules

Most Queens homes must use the Official NYC Bin since November 2024. Bins can only be curbside during set-out window and must be returned by 9 a.m. day after collection.

Queens (NYC) Trash Bin Placement Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bulk Item Disposal

DSNY picks up most Queens bulk items (furniture, rugs) on regular trash day. Mattresses need plastic bags; Freon appliances (fridges, AC units) need a 311-scheduled pickup.

Queens (NYC) Bulk Trash Disposal Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Recycling Requirements

NYC Local Law 19 of 1989 mandates recycling. Queens residents must sort paper from MGP, and citywide organics separation became mandatory October 2024 with fines from April 2025.

Queens (NYC) Recycling Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Queens County ordinances

See every category we cover for Queens County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Queens County Ordinance Hub →