New York, NY Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- 9 p.m. on collection day
- Late-collection deadline
- 9 a.m. next day
- Enforcing agency
- NYC Department of Sanitation
- First violation fine
- $50
- Third+ violation fine
- $200
Summary
New York City requires owners and occupants to pull empty trash and recycling receptacles back from the curb by 9 p.m. on the day of collection, or by 9 a.m. the next morning if collection happens after 4 p.m.
After the contents have been removed by the department or other collection agency any receptacles remaining shall be removed from the front of the building or dwelling before 9:00 p.m. on the day of collection, or if such collection occurs after 4:00 p.m., then before 9:00 a.m. on the day following collection.
Full Breakdown
Under Administrative Code § 16-120(c)(1), once the Department of Sanitation or another collection agency has emptied a building's refuse receptacles, the owner, lessee, agent or occupant must remove them from the front of the building by 9:00 p.m. that same day. If DSNY collects after 4:00 p.m., the deadline shifts to 9:00 a.m. the following day. Receptacles must otherwise stay covered and out of public view, not left curbside as a standing obstruction.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties run $50 for a first violation, $100 for a second within any 12-month period, and $200 for a third or subsequent violation in that period, issued as a notice of violation returnable to the Environmental Control Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I have to bring my empty trash cans back in?
Can I get fined for leaving an empty can at the curb too long?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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