Union, NY Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Chapter 83 of the Code of the Town of Union controls how yard waste reaches Town of Union municipal collection. Section 83-3 defines yard waste as vegetation such as brush, grass, leaves and weeds, and § 83-4 applies the chapter to lots in the Town outside the incorporated Villages of Johnson City and Endicott. Under § 83-6A, material set out for Town collection must be placed in containers with a capacity not to exceed 33 gallons, without covers, constructed of rigid plastic or metal. Containers go at the curbline or on the property driveway, and under no circumstances on the road surface. Leaves that are not in containers can be raked to the curbline for collection.

Bulky brush is handled by bundling. Brush which is too large or bulky to be placed in containers must be bundled and tied securely in lengths not to exceed six feet. Section 83-6B closes the loop: yard waste not prepared for collection as the section provides shall not be collected, so an untied pile or an oversized load stays where it was left. Section 83-6C specifically prohibits plastic bags as containers for the collection and disposal of yard waste, which rules out the paper-versus-plastic debate for leaves entirely.

This chapter covers yard waste only. Household garbage, rubbish and refuse follow the separate container, weight and set-out rules in Chapter 130, including § 130-3 and § 130-5. Dead weeds, grass and brush left to accumulate on a lot are a separate problem under § 83-5A, which prohibits any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush on an occupied or unoccupied lot.

The Town backs the chapter with notice and cost recovery. Under § 83-7 an owner or occupant who fails to remove weeds, tall grass or other objectionable vegetation, or garbage or rubbish, within three days of being served with notice faces Town removal, with the cost assessed against the real property as a lien. Section 83-8 allows notice by personal service or by posting on the premises with a copy mailed to the person addressed.