New Rochelle, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- State mandate
- NY General Municipal Law § 120-aa
- Applies to
- All residential, commercial, institutional properties
- Required categories
- Metal, glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, yard waste
- Adopted
- June 16, 1992, Ord. No. 134-1992
- Penalty
- $25 to $500 per offense
Summary
New Rochelle's Recycling Ordinance, City Code § 163-8.4, makes source separation of recyclables mandatory for every residence, business and institution in the city. Metal, glass and plastic containers, newspapers, cardboard and yard waste must all be kept out of the regular trash stream and set out under the Commissioner of Public Works' collection program.
There is hereby established a program for the mandatory separation of the following recyclable materials from the municipal solid waste stream by all persons within the City of New Rochelle, hereinafter referred to as the "municipality." A. Metal containers. B. Glass containers. C. Plastic containers. D. Newspapers. E. Cardboard. F. Yard waste.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4601407; v60 updated 2025-12-02; through 12-02-2025).
Full Breakdown
2 applies to all residential property and to commercial and institutional establishments that generate solid waste in the city. 4 establishes the mandatory program itself, listing six categories that must be separated from municipal solid waste: metal containers, glass containers, plastic containers, newspapers, cardboard, and, since a 2000 amendment, yard waste. 3 include multiple-dwelling buildings with more than three units, while "institutional establishments" cover hospitals, schools, nursing homes, libraries and government offices. The definitions section makes clear that solid waste "shall not be understood to include recyclables," underscoring that diverting these materials is not optional.
7, may issue detailed regulations governing the manner, days and times of collection once the City Council approves them by resolution. The Commissioner of Police, with City Manager approval, may also deputize non-police personnel to enforce the article.
Violations & Fines
Any person, firm or corporation violating the recycling program or its implementing regulations faces a fine of $25 to $500 for each offense under § 163-8.8. Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, and enforcement of the § 163-8.5 preparation standards cannot begin until three months after the regulations take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory for businesses in New Rochelle, not just homes?
Why does New Rochelle require recycling by ordinance?
Who enforces New Rochelle's recycling requirements?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Rochelle
New York rules heatmap·Compare New Rochelle to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Westchester County handle recycling requirements.