Albany, NY Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Unless otherwise authorized by the written consent of the Director of Code Enforcement, all dumpsters located on private property shall be located far enough from sidewalks, public places or public rights-of-way to prevent odor, insects or any other negative impact, including visual impact, upon the character of the public places or streetscapes involved.

E. Unless exempted by the Director of Code Enforcement, dumpsters shall be maintained in a designated enclosed area, away from front yards, sidewalks or other public rights-of-way affecting the visual and aesthetic character of City streetscapes. Exemptions from Subsections D and E of this section shall only be permitted where no reasonable alternate methods or sites exist for the placement of dumpsters or where hardships or practical difficulties would exist should an exemption be withheld.

F. The Director of Code Enforcement may, upon good cause shown, and with the advice and consent of the Commissioner of Buildings and the Commissioner of General Services, permit the placement, use or maintenance of a litter receptacle not in conformance with the provisions of this article on a temporary basis for a period of time not to exceed 30 days. [Amended 5-4-1998 by Ord. No. 28.42.98; 12-20-2004 by Ord. No. 38.121.04]

G. From and after the effective date of this article, no litter receptacle shall be placed, used or otherwise maintained except in accordance with the provisions of this article.