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

Section 177-60 lays out the operating rules for the curbside recycling program established under Article V. Paper recyclables must be tied in bundles not exceeding 40 pounds, with newspaper bundled separately from magazines and cardboard, per Subsection B. Glass, plastic and metal must be clean with all contents, caps and labels removed before collection under Subsection C, and except for cardboard and brown paper bags, recyclables go in a designated recycling container rather than a plastic bag, with plastic recyclables the sole exception allowed in bags under Subsection D.

Recyclables cannot be placed in the same can or otherwise mixed with other solid waste under Subsection F, and Subsection J separately makes it unlawful to collect or dispose of solid waste that combines recyclables with other waste. Bulk metal can either be brought by the homeowner to the recycling facility or left out for Highway Department pickup on Town-designated days under Subsection E. Ownership of recyclables vests in the Town the moment they reach the curb, street line or Town easement, under Subsection G, the same rule that applies to general solid waste under § 177-18A.

The Town Board designates which day of the week recyclables are collected from a given area under Subsection L, and residential waste that contains no recyclables cannot be collected or disposed of on the day set aside for recycling pickup in that area. Residents may still donate or sell recyclables to any person, for-profit or not, but no one may collect recyclable material from the curb, street line or Town easement without authorization, per Subsection K.