Collection
Placement for Collection
Setout Times Have Changed. Learn more about the new setout times for residents and businesses.
Businesses that place waste at the curb for collection have two options:
- If using a container with a secure lid, place waste and recycling at the curb 1 hour before closing, or
- If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8:00 PM
Recyclable paper can placed out without a container if securely bundled and tied.
Containers must be removed from the curb by the time your business reopens.
NOTE: This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.
Fine
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Commercial Waste Disposal
All businesses must either arrange with a private carter to have its garbage collected, or obtain a “Self-Hauler” registration from the Business Integrity Commission (BIC) and transport the garbage in a vehicle with commercial license plates.
NOTE: certain professional establishments doing business in residential buildings may be eligible for our collection services.
Private Carter Decal
Businesses that use a private carter must post a decal that clearly and legibly states the private carter’s name, the service(s) provided (garbage collection, source-separated recycling, co-collection of recycling or single-stream collection of recycling) and the days and times the service(s) is provided. Merchants that transport their garbage or recyclable materials personally must post their BIC decal with their Self-Hauler registration number.
Fine
- $50
Note: A merchant who disposes of a negligible amount of garbage or recyclable materials (less than 20 gallons over seven consecutive days) can share private carter service with one or more other merchants. Merchants sharing private carter services must be offered a written documentation by the private carter and given a free decal. For merchants sharing private carter service, the private carter should agree on a point of collection which should be at one of the merchants’ establishments, and within walking distance of the other merchant(s’) establishment(s). Under no circumstances can a merchant dispose of any garbage or recyclable materials in a DSNY litter basket or join with another establishment that is eligible that receives our collection service.
Private Carter Registration
It is unlawful for any person to remove, collect or dispose of trade waste generated in the course of a person’s or firm’s business without first having registered with BIC.
Fine
- Up to $10,000
NOTE: Private carters must be licensed by BIC, which also regulates the conduct of private carters. Private carters are responsible for placing waste containers inside or to the rear of the customer’s premises after they have been emptied. Private carters are also responsible for removing spillage during collection. This does not relieve the merchant, commercial establishment, or business from their responsibility to keep their area clean or remove containers. Questions and/or complaints about private carters should be addressed to the Business Integrity Commission; call 311 or visit nyc.gov/bic.
To transport garbage personally, a merchant, business, firm, etc., must obtain a Self-Hauler registration from the BIC and arrange to dump at a permitted private transfer station.
Fee-based Collection Service
Some professionals, such as physicians, accountants, lawyers, or other licensed professionals operating within residential buildings, qualify to have the DSNY collect their trash and recyclables.
New York Licensed professionals must have offices in houses or apartment buildings currently receiving DSNY service to qualify. Annual fees are charged based on the amount of waste that is collected weekly. Find out more about fee-based collection service for professionals.
Professional establishments are required to separate the same materials designated for residential recycling. We do not collect and dispose of regulated medical, laboratory, or surgical waste. Professionals must contract with a private hauler for collection and disposal.
Fine
- $50 – $100
Receptacles
Proper Receptacles
Garbage must be placed in leak-proof receptacles with tightly fitting lids (metal or plastic are ok) or in securely tied heavy-duty opaque (black) plastic bags.
NOTE: Do not use blue, red, or clear bags for regular garbage. Businesses must have enough receptacles to contain waste generated in a 72-hour period.
Fine
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Covered Receptacles
Garbage receptacles (including dumpsters) must be covered at all times with securely fitting covers/lids.
Fine
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Metal Containers (Dumpsters)
If garbage is scheduled to be picked up using dumpsters, the metal containers must be:
- Removed immediately after collection. If the collection service occurs overnight and a responsible party is not present, a reasonable amount of time (about an hour) is allowed for the removal of containers once the responsible party is on premise;
- Removed from sidewalks/streets and placed inside or in the rear of the premises;
- Maintained in a neat, clean, and closed condition at all times, and the area around them must also remain neat and clean.
Fine
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Improper Disposal
Do not use trash or recycling receptacles belonging to others without their permission and do not place garbage or recycling in front of any premises other than your own.
Fine
- 1st offense – $50
- 2nd offense – $100
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $200
Improper Use of DSNY Litter Basket
Do not dispose of commercial refuse or liquids in DSNY litter baskets. Sanitation litter baskets are designed for light waste and for use by pedestrians only.
Do not use litter baskets to display merchandise or wares.
Fine
- 1st offense – $100
- 2nd offense – $250
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $350
Source Separation
Recyclable Material
Learn more about what which materials you must recyclable and how recycle them.
Harmful Products
Businesses, including nonprofits and other entities, have different guidelines than residences on how to discard harmful products. These guidelines are generally based on the type of material and the quantity generated by the business. Businesses, nonprofits, and institutions should review applicable laws, including the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, to better understand their requirement.
Learn more about what products are considered harmful and how to get rid of them.