Buffalo, NY Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Earliest set-out time
- 7:00 p.m. the evening before collection
- Bin removal deadline
- 8:00 p.m. on collection day
- Required storage location
- Rear yard, or side yard at least 10 feet from front of house
- Front-yard storage
- Prohibited without Commissioner of Public Works authorization
- Owner responsibility
- Owners must ensure occupants comply
Summary
Solid waste may not be set out before 7:00 p.m. the evening prior to collection day, and City-issued receptacles must be removed from the street by 8:00 p.m. on collection day. Between collections, garbage receptacles must be stored in the rear yard or in the side yard at least 10 feet from the front of the house.
No person shall deposit or leave or cause or allow any agents, subordinates, occupants or employees to deposit or leave in any public street, curbline or public place any solid waste, unless the same is in proper receptacles, no earlier than 7:00 p.m. on the evening prior to the day of the regular collection as provided. All City-issued receptacles shall be removed from the street, curbline or public place following public collection and shall not be left in the street, curbline or public place after 8:00 p.m. on the day of regular collection. All garbage receptacles shall be kept in rear yards, or side yards if stored at least 10 feet from the front of the house, and may not be stored in the front of properties, unless authorization is received from the Commissioner of Public Works and Streets.
Full Breakdown
Buffalo Code § 216-14 creates specific timing and storage location rules for solid waste. Bins may be placed at the curbline no earlier than 7 p.m. the evening before a scheduled pickup. City-issued receptacles left in the street after 8 p.m. on collection day are a violation. Storing bins at the front of the property is prohibited without written authorization from the Commissioner of Public Works and Streets. All owners are responsible for ensuring occupants comply.
Violations & Fines
Violators may be liable to additional penalties established in Chapter 137, Code Enforcement, Article I, of the Buffalo City Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put my garbage bins at the curb?
When must I bring my bin back in?
Where should I store my bin between collections?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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