Broome County, NY Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Section 317-27 of the Charter and Code governs preparation of recyclables for curbside collection. Under Subsection B, from the moment recyclable materials are placed at or near a curb, sidewalk or street, they become the property of the County or its authorized agent; anyone not acting for the County who collects, picks up or removes them commits a separate violation for each occurrence, aimed at stopping scavengers from pulling cans and bottles before the hauler arrives. Subsection D requires recyclables to be placed separately from any nonrecyclable solid waste and prepared in conformance with practices and standards the Deputy Commissioner for Solid Waste Management designates in writing; those standards must be filed with the Clerk of the County Legislature and take effect within 90 days of filing unless the County Legislature rescinds or modifies them by resolution.

If a hauler refuses to collect materials because they were not prepared to standard, Subsection C lets (and requires) the person who set them out to remove them from the curb, sidewalk or street. Subsection E excuses haulers from collecting improperly prepared material but requires written notice of the reason for noncollection, and Subsection F obligates the responsible generator to immediately remove and properly prepare or dispose of any refused materials, restoring any disturbed land or surface or reimbursing the County for that work. Multifamily buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, motels and resort colonies face a separate obligation under Section 317-28 to run a private drop-off recycling program where curbside collection isn't practiced.