Albany, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Designated recyclables
- newspaper, paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastic
- Anti-scavenging rule
- only authorized collectors may take curbside recyclables
- Contamination rule
- no non-recyclable material in recycling areas
- Penalty
- $25-$325 fine or up to 15 days jail
- Enforcing agency
- Department of General Services
Summary
Albany residents must source-separate newspaper, glass, paper, cardboard, cans, plastic containers and yard waste for curbside pickup; scavenging recyclables or dumping trash in recycling bins is a fine-backed violation under City Code Chapter 313.
It shall be unlawful for:
(1) Any person, other than those persons so authorized, to collect any designated recyclable which has been placed at the roadside for collection or within a recycling collection area pursuant to this article.
(2) Any person to violate or to cause to assist in the violation of any provision of this article or any implementing rule or regulation promulgated by the Commissioner. [Amended 5-4-1998 by Ord. No. 28.42.98; 12-20-2004 by Ord. No. 38.121.04]
(3) Any person to place or to cause to be placed any material other than a designated recyclable in or near a recycling collection area.
B. All unlawful conduct set forth in this section shall constitute a violation.
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
Chapter 313, Article II of the Albany City Code requires residents in the curbside program to source-separate designated recyclables, newspaper, paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastic containers and vegetative yard waste, and prepare them under Commissioner of General Services regulations (§ 313-13). It is unlawful for anyone but an authorized collector to take recyclables set out at the curb or in a recycling collection area, and unlawful to dump non-recyclable material into a recycling area (§ 313-19). Commercial, industrial and institutional establishments face the same mandatory source-separation duty within 180 days of a curbside designation (§ 313-16). The Department of General Services enforces the article and may refuse to collect contaminated solid waste (§ 313-18, § 313-20).
Violations & Fines
Violating source-separation or anti-scavenging rules is a violation under § 313-19, punishable under § 313-22 by up to 15 days in jail, community service, and a fine of $25 to $325.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take recyclables someone else put at the curb?
What happens if I contaminate my recycling with trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recycling Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Albany County handle recycling rules.