Union, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

The Code of the Town of Union handles curbline recycling inside its garbage chapter. Section 130-3B provides that recycled items containing no garbage may be placed for collection as such in designated containers approved by the Department of Public Works, Division of Refuse and Recycling. The rule has two parts: the items must be free of garbage, and the container must be one the Division has designated and approved. Section 130-1 defines recyclable material as any material so designated in regulations adopted by the Town or the County from time to time, generally limited to materials which can be processed and reused for the original or different purpose, so the list of accepted items follows the Town and Broome County regulations rather than a list printed in the chapter.

Mixing is the other restriction. Section 130-5.2 provides that neither garbage nor rubbish shall be placed or allowed to be together in the same receptacle as yard waste, trash or recyclables. A recycling container that also holds food waste or household rubbish is out of compliance.

Set-out timing applies to recycling the same as to trash. Under § 130-5, recyclable containers are set out by the occupant contiguous to the curbline in front of the premises, not earlier than 2:00 p.m. of the day preceding collection nor later than 6:00 a.m. of collection day. Emptied containers must be removed from the curbline no later than 8:00 p.m. of collection day, and between collections recyclable cans and containers must stay reasonably out of view from the street and off the front yard, porch, stoop and walkway. Section 130-3D requires owners to keep containers in suitable condition for safe handling, and § 130-3C caps a container and contents at 50 pounds combined.

Two more sections protect the program. Section 130-9 prohibits picking, sorting, salvaging or other scavenging in any container of recyclables, and § 130-8 bars disposing of recyclables collected outside the Town of Union anywhere inside it. The Commissioner of Public Works can promulgate additional rules with Town Board approval under § 130-10.1.