NYC Garbage Can Rules: Bins, Composting, and Fines

The NYC garbage can rules require every building with one to nine residential units to set out trash in a rigid bin, 55 gallons or smaller, with a secure lid. Loose bags at the curb are no longer allowed for these properties. By June 2026, that bin must be the official NYC Bin, sold for no more than $50 in its most common size through Home Depot and delivery apps. Recycling and food scraps have their own containers and their own rules, and fines start at $50 and climb with each repeat offense inside a 12-month window.

Which Bin You Need and When

Since November 12, 2024, one-to-nine-unit buildings have had to use a rigid, lidded bin of 55 gallons or less for regular trash.1NYC Department of Sanitation. Residential Waste Containerization Any bin that meets those specs works during the transition period.

Starting in June 2026, the bin has to be the official NYC Bin. The mandate applies to homeowners, building managers, city agencies, nonprofits, houses of worship, and professional offices in residential buildings that receive DSNY collection.2NYC Department of Sanitation. NYC Bin FAQ – DSNY It comes in multiple sizes; the most common runs $50 or less. Pick one up at any NYC Home Depot, or order online for delivery through DoorDash, Instacart, or Uber Eats.3NYC Department of Sanitation. NYC Bins – DSNY

If your building has 10 or more units, the NYC Bin mandate does not apply to you yet. DSNY is running a stationary on-street container pilot in Manhattan Community District 9 from June 2025 through May 2026, and citywide rules for larger buildings will follow.4Rules of City of New York. Pilot Program for the Use of Stationary On-Street Containers Businesses are on a separate track entirely and must hire a licensed private carter or register as a self-hauler with the Business Integrity Commission.5NYC311. Waste Disposal for Businesses

When to Put the Bin Out

Residential bins can go to the curb after 8 PM the evening before your scheduled collection day.6Rules of City of New York. Use of Certain Receptacles by Certain Entities that Receive Department Collection Service There is no cap on how many bins you set out, but every bit of trash must sit inside a bin with the lid closed. A broken lid, a missing lid, or waste spilling over the top can draw a fine.

Fourteen holidays shift the collection schedule, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.7NYC Department of Sanitation. Holiday Schedule Check DSNY, its social accounts, or 311 for changes. In heavy snow or other severe weather, DSNY may temporarily suspend containerization requirements and posts updates through Notify NYC.

Recycling: Two Separate Streams

Recyclables have to be split into two streams, and mixing them with each other or with trash is a ticketable offense.

Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Cartons

Metal, glass, rigid plastic, and beverage cartons go together. Use clear plastic bags between 13 and 55 gallons, or a blue-labeled recycling bin of 55 gallons or less with a tight-fitting lid.8NYC 311. Recycling Rules Rinse containers first. Plastic bags themselves are not accepted in the curbside program.

Paper and Cardboard

Mixed paper, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and phone books go in clear bags (13 to 55 gallons) or a clearly labeled bin with a tight-fitting lid. You can also tie paper into bundles no taller than 18 inches with twine.8NYC 311. Recycling Rules

Corrugated cardboard is different. Flatten the boxes, tie them into bundles 18 inches tall or smaller with sturdy twine, and set them next to your bins or bags. Do not put cardboard bundles inside bags or containers unless the cardboard has been broken into small pieces first.9NYC Department of Sanitation. Recycling – DSNY A cardboard box is not a recycling bin.

Composting Is Mandatory

Since April 1, 2025, food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste must be separated from regular trash citywide.10NYC Department of Sanitation. Collection Laws for Residents Use a brown bin or another labeled bin of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, and set it out on your composting and recycling day.

Yard waste goes in paper lawn-and-leaf bags, clear plastic bags, or a labeled bin.11NYC Department of Sanitation. Plant, Leaf, and Yard Waste If you use a clear bag for yard waste, keep it separate from food scraps. Undecorated live Christmas trees can go to the curb on your composting and recycling day throughout January.12NYC Department of Sanitation. Special Christmas Tree Collection is No Longer Special

h2>Bulk, Mattresses, Appliances, Electronics, and Hazardous Items

You can put out up to six bulk items per collection day at no charge.13NYC Department of Sanitation. Large Items – DSNY Metal or rigid plastic items go out on recycling day; other large items go out on trash day. For more than six items, split them across days or hire a private junk hauler.

Every mattress and box spring at the curb has to be fully sealed in a plastic bag of any color except red or orange, to keep bed bugs from spreading.14NYC311. Mattress or Box Spring Disposal An unsealed mattress will not be picked up, and the fine runs $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $200 for a third and beyond.10NYC Department of Sanitation. Collection Laws for Residents

Appliances with CFC refrigerant (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water coolers) need a free DSNY appointment. Call 311 or submit an online request for up to 10 appliances at a time.15NYC Department of Sanitation. CFC Removal Take the hinges and locks off refrigerators, then set the appliance at the curb with the back facing the street after 6 PM the night before your appointment. DSNY removes the gas and tags the unit; sanitation workers pick tagged items up on your next recycling day. Newer appliances using R600a or R32 refrigerant (marked with a yellow triangle and black flames) are not collected by DSNY; contact the manufacturer or a private carter.

Putting computers, laptops, televisions, monitors, VCRs, DVD players, cable boxes, and similar electronics in the trash or recycling is illegal in New York.16NYC Department of Sanitation. Electronics and E-Waste Use a manufacturer take-back program, a community e-waste event, or a Special Waste Drop-Off site. Buildings with 10 or more units can enroll in ecycleNYC for in-building collection.

Paint, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, rechargeable batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, and similar products cannot go in the trash. DSNY runs Special Waste Drop-Off sites in all five boroughs, open Thursday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with per-visit limits like five gallons of paint or four passenger tires.17NYC Department of Sanitation. Special Waste Drop-Off – DSNY Periodic SAFE Disposal Events handle flammables, automotive fluids, and medical waste.18NYC Department of Sanitation. SAFE Disposal Events – DSNY

The Sidewalk and Gutter Rule

Property owners have to keep the sidewalk along their building clean, including tree pits and grass strips, and that obligation extends 18 inches from the curb into the street.19NYC Department of Sanitation. Sidewalks and Gutters A dirty sidewalk or gutter can bring a fine of up to $100. Many owners assume the city handles the gutter. It does not.

What the Fines Look Like

DSNY fines escalate with each repeat offense inside a 12-month window. The common residential penalties:

There is no cure period. Fixing the problem the same day the ticket is written does not void the ticket. Anyone can report a violation by calling 311 or filing a complaint through the NYC311 portal, and reports can name residential buildings, commercial properties, and institutions.20NYC 311. Trash, Recycling, or Compost Disposal Complaint

Fighting a Ticket

If a DSNY ticket is wrong, request a hearing through the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Either side can appeal the decision within 30 days of the ruling, or 35 days if the decision was mailed.21NYC OATH. Appeal a Decision For most summons types you have to pay the fine before appealing, and the city refunds you if you win. If you missed the hearing and got a default judgment, file a motion to reopen instead of a standard appeal. The OATH Help Center offers free assistance to people representing themselves.