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

Section 130-5 of the Code of the Town of Union, amended 4-3-2019 by L.L. No. 5-2019, fixes both the place and the clock for set-out. Containers of garbage, rubbish, refuse and recyclable containers are set out for collection by the occupant of premises contiguous to the curbline of the street in front of such premises. Only one pickup location per property or per premises is permitted, so a corner lot or multi-unit parcel cannot spread containers across several frontages.

The time window is specific. Containers and bundles must be set out not earlier than 2:00 p.m. of the day preceding collection, nor later than 6:00 a.m. of collection day. Emptied containers must be removed from the curbline no later than 8:00 p.m. of collection day. Containers left out overnight before the day preceding, or left at the curb after 8:00 p.m., fall outside the rule.

The rest of the week matters as well. Other than when placed at the curb in accordance with the window, all refuse, rubbish, garbage and recyclable cans and containers must be kept reasonably out of view from the street or roadway and cannot be stored in the front yard or on the front porch, stoop, walkway or entrance of any building or structure. Section 130-2C also limits storage of waste in a securely closed container to no more than seven consecutive days.

The Town can step in at the curb. Under § 130-6.2, when garbage, rubbish, trash, recyclables or yard waste is left on the sidewalk or at the curb area in violation of the chapter or is deemed a health or safety hazard or nuisance, the Commissioner of Public Works, the Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Services or their designees or the Code Enforcement Officer can order immediate removal after documenting the accumulation by photography. The Town then invoices the owner or occupant, and it is authorized to issue an appearance ticket returnable to the Town Court.