Placement for Collection
Setout Times Have Changed. Learn more about the new setout times for residents and businesses.
Residential buildings of any size (single-family and multi-unit) have two options:
- Place waste out after 6:00 PM in a container of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or
- Place waste out after 8:00 PM, if putting bags directly on the curb
To ensure collection, all waste must be set out by midnight.
View the full laws and rules related to the Department of Sanitation from American Legal Publishing:
- New York City Administrative Code: Title 16: Sanitation
- Rules of the City of New York: Title 16: Department of Sanitation
Storage of Receptacles (16-120)
Residential units must remove receptacles from their collection place by 9:00 PM on their collection day. If collection occurs after 4:00 PM, receptacles must be removed by 9:00 AM the next day.
Fines
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Proper Receptacles (16-120)
All buildings eligible for DSNY services must have enough receptacles to contain the waste generated in a 72-hour period.
Refuse must be put into leak-proof receptacles with tightly fitting lids or in securely tied heavy duty opaque (for example, black or brown) plastic bags . Do not use blue, red, or clear bags for regular refuse. Bins should be no larger than 55 gallons. Cardboard boxes are not acceptable for use as receptacles. It is advised you do not overfill receptacles or make them any heavier than you can comfortably move. Most standard kitchen bags are not heavy-duty and should be placed in bins.
In addition, recyclable materials (for example, glass, metal, plastic, and beverage cartons; mixed paper and cardboard) must be placed in clearly marked recycling receptacles or clear recycling bags. (Also see Recycling Receptacles, below.)
Fines
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Covered Receptacles
Refuse receptacles (including dumpsters) must be covered at all times with securely fitting covers/lids.
Fines
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Recyclable Materials
Learn more about recycling laws for NYC residence.
Bulk/Large Items
DSNY provides free curbside removal of large non-commercial “bulk” items (items that do not fit into a container or bag) . Bulk items shall be set out using the same schedule and guidelines as regular refuse or recycling receptacles, however items must not be placed in the street, extend in front of another property, or impede pedestrian traffic . If you have a large quantity of items (for example, more than a dozen) you should consider placing them out over several collection days.
Fines
1 to 8 residential dwelling units:
- 1st offense – $25
- 2nd offense – $50
- 3rd offense – $100
9 or more residential dwelling units:
- 1st offense – $100
- 2nd offense – $200
- 3rd offense – $400
Bulk metal or plastic items (such as metal furniture, plastic toys, or plastic buckets) or any other large items that are mostly metal should be placed at the curb next to recycling containers or bags for recycling collection.
Fines
1 to 8 residential dwelling units:
- 1st offense – $25
- 2nd offense – $50
- 3rd offense – $100
9 or more residential dwelling units:
- 1st offense – $100
- 2nd offense – $200
- 3rd offense – $400
Certain bulk items have additional handling requirements prior to placement for refuse or recycling collection. These include items such as:
- appliances
- auto products
- gas cylinders
- home improvement debris
- mattresses
- medical waste
- mercury-containing devices
Residents Receiving Private Carter Collection
Residents in buildings that receive private carter service (such as an industrial conversion that hasn’t yet received a Certificate of Occupancy, or where owners have chosen private carter service) must follow all special handling and recycling requirements for commercial entities. They must separate the following items:
- construction waste
- metal, glass, and plastic for recycling as required for food or beverage service establishments
- paper and cardboard for recycling as required for non-food or beverage service establishments
Fines
- 1st offense – $100
- 2nd offense – $200
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $400
Improper Disposal
A person may not use another person’s receptacles without permission, or place refuse in front of a premises other than the building in which the person resides or works.
Fines
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Exposure of Material
Rags, damaged merchandise, barrels, boxes, and broken bales of merchandise or goods may not be placed where they, or particles from them, will pass into any street, public place, or occupied premises.
Fines
- $200–$400