Buffalo, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

City Code Chapter 216, Article X governs source separation of recyclables citywide. Section 216-40 requires that all recyclable material placed at the curbline or another collection point by residents be prepared for pickup in accordance with regulations the Commissioner promulgates under the curbline program; the article's intent section, 216-38, ties this to conserving landfill capacity and conforming to the New York State Solid Waste Management Plan. The Departments of Street Sanitation and Public Works are the named enforcement agencies under 216-45, and their Commissioners may adopt, amend, and repeal the implementing rules that spell out sorting and bin-preparation details.

Section 216-46 makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to collect or scavenge recyclable material once it has been set at the street or curbline for collection, unlawful to violate any implementing rule the Commissioner issues, and unlawful to place non-recyclable material in or near a recycling collection area; each of these is classified as a violation. Section 216-49 layers on reporting duties: solid waste collectors must file quarterly tonnage reports on material collected for recycling versus disposal, and commercial users must separately report quarterly on material they reuse or recycle beyond the city's standard list, all filed with the Commissioner of Public Works. The article also preserves existing hauling contracts under 216-48 and allows the city to pursue an injunction under 216-51 in addition to criminal penalties.