Suffolk County, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to stores
- 10,000+ sq ft selling area
- Bin placement
- At or near store entrance
- Reusable bags required
- Stores 20,000+ sq ft
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250
- Enforcing office
- Dept. of Environment and Energy
Summary
Stores of 10,000+ square feet in Suffolk County 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.
An at-store recycling program provided by the operator of a store shall require that: 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; such collection bin shall be easily accessible to the consumer; and such collection bin shall be clearly marked that the collection bin is available for the purpose of collecting and recycling plastic carryout bags only.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Code Chapter 692, Article I requires the operator of any store with 10,000 square feet or more of selling space to set up an at-store recycling program letting customers return clean plastic carryout bags. A visible, clearly marked collection bin for bags only (not trash) must sit at or near the entrance, and collected bags must be recycled, not landfilled. Stores of 20,000 square feet or more must also offer reusable bags for sale in place of plastic or paper. The rule sunsets automatically if the state or federal government adopts substantially the same requirement.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $250 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second, and up to $1,000 for a third and each subsequent offense within a twelve-month period, enforced against the store operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Suffolk County stores must have a plastic bag recycling bin?
What happens if a store doesn't set up the recycling bin?
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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