Troy, NY Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)

Organics in the City of Troy, New York are handled in § 247-8 of the Troy City Code, and the rule is framed around choice for households and separation for larger premises. Section 247-8(C)(3) states that the City does not provide food waste or compost collection services at this time and that it advocates composting at home or with a private collection service. A property that composts at home must follow the NYSDEC guidelines for home composting. A property that uses a private collection service must use a company or organization permitted with the City to haul waste material, and that service must follow the private waste collection rules in subsection D.

Subsection D(1) covers commercial, institutional and multiple-dwelling premises with more than three units. Their owners arrange collection through a private contractor approved and permitted by the City, at their own cost, and the owners and occupants use a dumpster for temporary storage with recyclable and compost materials appropriately separated as set forth in the City's Solid Waste Long-Term Plan. Chapter 234 defines compost as decayed organic matter, including yard waste, kitchen scraps, table cleanings, fruit and vegetable parings, and decaying vegetable, animal and fruit matter (§ 234-2).

Private hauling is permitted. Under § 247-5 a hauler needs a solid waste collection permit from the Commissioner of General Services, one permit per vehicle per year, expiring December 31 and displayed as a placard on the vehicle's exterior. The application fee is $200 per vehicle (§ 247-6). A vehicle that carries compost, food waste, garbage, recyclables or rubbish must be enclosed and watertight, and permit holders file quarterly reports on the types and weight or volume of materials collected within 30 days of quarter end (§ 247-7). Yard waste is the organic stream the City itself collects: lawn clippings, leaves and trimmings from bushes, shrubs and hedges, in approved paper lawn and leaf bags, after the owner contacts the Department of Public Works (§ 247-8(C)(4)). Plastic bags of yard waste are treated as garbage.