Albany, NY Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Weekly curbside pickup
- Placement window
- 4:30 p.m. day before to 12:01 a.m.
- Eligible dwellings
- Fewer than five units
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation (§ 313-7)
Summary
Albany runs a mandatory weekly curbside collection program citywide, with routes and pickup days set by the Department of General Services; residents must place refuse at the curb after 4:30 p.m. the day before collection and before 12:01 a.m. on collection day.
In connection with the refuse collection system introduced to the City of Albany in 1974, there is hereby enacted a curbside collection program to provide for a weekly collection of garbage, trash and other refuse. ... The areas, routes and days of collection shall be determined by the Commissioner of General Services... Refuse for collection must be placed at curbside prior to 12:01 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, but not before 4:30 p.m. of the prior day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
The City of Albany's Department of General Services determines collection areas, routes, and days under City Code § 313-5, publishing a route map available at its office. Refuse must be curbside no earlier than 4:30 p.m. the day before pickup and no later than 12:01 a.m. on the scheduled collection day. The weekly curbside program, established under § 313-2, applies to residential dwellings with fewer than five units; buildings with five or more units are classified as multiple dwellings and are not served by the City's residential collection.
Violations & Fines
Placing refuse at curbside outside the permitted window, or otherwise violating this article, is a violation under § 313-7, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 per offense plus abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must I put my trash out in Albany?
Does the City collect trash from apartment buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
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