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Rockland County, NY Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Container size range
1/2 to 40 cubic yards
Governing section
§ 350-10
Scrap metal rule
Separate placement, § 350-10C
Recycling exemption
Authority-approved program, § 350-11C
Max penalty
$1,000 per violation

Summary

Businesses and industrial sites in Rockland County must separate their solid waste and place it into a dumpster container, compactor or other suitable container at curbside or another designated area under County Code § 350-10, then have it hauled to a county-designated facility.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Rockland County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

In order to provide for public health and safety, each commercial or industrial entity that generates solid waste shall provide for the separation of such waste from all other types of waste and shall cause the placement of such solid waste into a dumpster container, compactor, or other suitable container and the placement of such container at curbside or other designated area for collection by a hauler.

Full Breakdown

Section 350-10A requires that each commercial or industrial entity that generates solid waste provide for the separation of that waste from all other types of waste and cause its placement into a dumpster container, compactor, or other suitable container, with the container placed at curbside or another designated area for collection by a hauler. The Code's § 350-2 definition of "DUMPSTER CONTAINER" covers containers used for temporarily holding construction and demolition debris, solid waste, scrap metals or recyclables, generally ranging in size from 1/2 cubic yard to 40 cubic yards, which covers everything from a small commercial bin to a full roll-off box.

Section 350-10B requires that solid waste placed at curbside for collection actually be delivered to the designated facility, and § 350-10C requires scrap metals to be separately placed at curbside and likewise delivered to the designated facility rather than mixed into the dumpster with other waste. Commercial recycling gets its own rule in § 350-11: businesses must separate designated recyclables into labeled containers for collection, though § 350-11C exempts any commercial entity with an Authority-approved recycling program under § 350-3E. Because dumpster placement, screening and any pad requirements for the box itself are zoning matters, those specifics come from the town or village where the business sits, not from the county chapter.

Violations & Fines

Placing recyclables or scrap metals into a commercial dumpster meant for solid waste, or having an unpermitted hauler service the container, violates §§ 350-10 and 350-12. The Commissioner of Health may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation under § 350-15, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dumpster can a Rockland County business use?
The Code's "DUMPSTER CONTAINER" definition in § 350-2 covers containers ranging generally from 1/2 cubic yard to 40 cubic yards, and § 350-10A requires commercial and industrial entities to place separated solid waste into one at curbside or another designated area.
Can a business skip separate recycling containers?
Only with Authority approval. Section 350-11 requires commercial recyclables to go into separate labeled containers, but § 350-11C exempts a business that already has a recycling program approved by the Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority under § 350-3E.
Who decides where a commercial dumpster can sit on the property?
County Code § 350-10 governs separation and hauler pickup, but placement, screening and pad requirements on the lot are zoning matters controlled by the town or village where the business is located.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rockland County

All Rockland County rules

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