Brookhaven, NY Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

of any day, covering every permitted hauler operating in the Town regardless of route or customer type. The container standard sits in the Chapter 45 definitions at § 45-2: an 'authorized private receptacle' for garbage must be durable, rust-resistant, nonabsorbent, watertight, equipped with handles, and must not exceed 32 gallons in capacity or 50 pounds in weight. Plastic bags heavy enough to hold garbage without breaking or tearing are acceptable if tightly sealed, and paper bags are specifically recognized as authorized receptacles for grass cuttings and leaves.

Grass clippings, leaves and similar inoffensive yard waste may also be piled within board, slat or wire barriers for on-site composting, provided the pile does not produce odors or other nuisances. Only collectors holding an annual permit under § 45-7 may lawfully collect solid waste for a fee in the Town, and each permit application must specify the days and places of service, giving the Town a route record even though no fixed weekly schedule is written into the Code itself. The Commissioner of the Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management administers these rules and may inspect private property at reasonable times under § 45-3 to check compliance.