Albany, NY Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curbside window
- 4:30 p.m. day before to 12:01 a.m.
- Container limit
- 50-gallon lidded cans or tied bags
- Collection frequency
- Weekly, per DGS route map
- Annual curbside fee
- $180 per dwelling unit
- Max fine
- Up to $1,000 per violation
Summary
Albany requires weekly curbside refuse in tied bags or 50-gallon lidded containers, set out only between 4:30 p.m. the day before and 12:01 a.m. on your scheduled collection day, early or late placement risks a fine.
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 runs a weekly curbside collection program under City Code § 313-2, with pickup days set by DGS route maps available at the department. Garbage must go in heavy-duty tied plastic bags or lidded metal/plastic containers up to 50 gallons (§ 313-4A); yard waste goes in biodegradable paper bags and tree trimmings in bundles under four feet. Under § 313-5B, refuse can't hit the curb before 4:30 p.m. the day before collection, and must be out by 12:01 a.m. on collection day. Violators face a fine up to $1,000 per offense under § 313-7A, and DGS can haul away noncompliant containers.
Violations & Fines
Setting refuse out before 4:30 p.m. the day before, or leaving it past pickup, violates § 313-5B; DGS may remove noncompliant containers, and violators face a fine up to $1,000 per offense under § 313-7A, plus abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Albany County handle pickup rules & schedules.