Suffolk County, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- Stores ≥10,000 sq ft
- Reusable bags required
- Stores ≥20,000 sq ft
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Environment and Energy
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250
- Applies since
- January 1, 2009
Summary
Large Suffolk County retailers must run an at-store plastic bag recycling program, with a marked collection bin near the entrance for customers to return clean plastic carryout bags.
The operator of a store shall establish an at-store recycling program, pursuant to the provisions of this article, that provides an opportunity for members of the public to return to the store clean plastic carryout bags from any source. ... A plastic carryout bag collection bin be placed at or near the entrance to each store. Such bin shall be highly visible and shall indicate that the bin is intended for recycling and not for the discarding of garbage.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Code Chapter 692 requires any store with 10,000 or more square feet of selling floor space to establish an at-store recycling program: a highly visible bin, placed at or near the entrance, marked for recycling plastic carryout bags only (not general garbage). Stores of 20,000 square feet or more must also offer reusable bags for sale. The County Department of Environment and Energy enforces the program and can set implementing rules. The article applies county-wide to qualifying stores, not to residential curbside collection, which is run by the towns and villages, not the county.
Violations & Fines
Fines up to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or later offense within any twelve-month period, payable by the store operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Suffolk County pick up recycling curbside?
Which stores must have a bag recycling bin?
What happens if a store ignores the requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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