Mount Vernon, NY Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max receptacle size
- 35 gallons or 2 cubic yards
- Material required
- Watertight plastic or metal with lid
- Curb timing
- Only on the assigned pickup day
- Return duty
- Bring can back after collector empties it
- Fine range
- $100 to $1,000 per violation
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Public Works & Public Safety
Summary
Mount Vernon requires watertight garbage and rubbish receptacles capped at 35 gallons or two cubic yards. Cans must stay inside the building or rear yard until pickup, then move to the curb only on the assigned collection day and be returned promptly once emptied.
Each such receptacle shall be watertight and made of suitable plastic or metal, equipped with adequate handles for lifting purposes and with a suitable plastic or metal lid or cover and shall have a capacity not in excess of 35 gallons or two yards. ... Such receptacles shall be kept within the building or in the rear of the premises connected therewith until the time for removal, when such receptacles shall be placed on the outer edge of the sidewalk at the curb in front of the building and there remain until the contents thereof shall have been removed by the collector, immediately after which such receptacles shall be returned by the owner thereof or his or its agent or employee to the building or the rear of the premises connected therewith. ... It shall be the duty of every owner or lessee of any and every building or part thereof and of every tenant occupying housing accommodations to place rubbish and garbage on the outer edge of the sidewalk in front of such building only on those days assigned for rubbish removal or pickup by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 140-2 sets the physical and placement rules for household trash containers. Every receptacle must be watertight plastic or metal, fitted with lifting handles and a tight plastic or metal lid, and holds no more than 35 gallons or two cubic yards (amended October 14, 2020). Between collections the can stays inside the building or in the rear yard; it may only be moved to the outer edge of the sidewalk at the curb when the Department of Public Works is due to collect, and the owner, agent or employee must haul it back to the building or rear yard immediately after the collector empties it.
Section 140-2(G), added in 1979 and amended in 1995, makes it the duty of every owner, lessee and tenant to put rubbish and garbage at the curb only on the days the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works assigns for pickup in that area, not in advance and not left out afterward. Bulky rubbish too large for a can must instead be compactly bundled, covered and tied so animals, wind or weather cannot scatter it (§ 140-2(E)), and no can or bundle may be placed so as to create a nuisance (§ 140-2(F)).
The Commissioner also issues standard collection rules under § 140-3, filed with the City Clerk and effective 10 days later, covering sorting, placement and removal times.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of § 140-2 or a Commissioner's rule adopted under this article is punishable under § 140-6 by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 per offense on conviction. The Department of Public Works, jointly with the Department of Public Safety, enforces the receptacle rules and can issue summonses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I leave my empty can at the curb after pickup?
What is the fine for violating Mount Vernon's trash receptacle rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mount Vernon
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