Trash Pickup Schedule Day • New York

Buffalo, NY Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule (2026) — The Complete Guide

Complete guide for Buffalo, New York: weekly trash & recycling, alternating recycling weeks,
2-piece bulk on your regular day, yard debris rules, holiday exceptions (Christmas & New Year’s),
and how to report a missed pickup.

Buffalo in 10 seconds: Trash is weekly. Recycling is weekly but follows an alternating-week schedule (use the official lookup).
You can set out materials no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before and no later than 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.
Bulk is typically limited to 2 pieces on your regular day.

📍 Address lookup (official)

The fastest way to confirm your exact pickup day, recycling week, and service notes is the official Buffalo Recycles schedule tool.

  1. Open the official schedule lookup.
  2. Enter your address.
  3. View your trash day and your recycling week.

🗓️ Weekly pickup & set-out rules

Buffalo provides weekly curbside collection for eligible residential properties. Keep lids closed and leave clearance for trucks.

Set-out window

  • No earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before
  • No later than 7:00 a.m. on collection day
  • Remove containers after collection (same day)

Cart basics

  • Lids must close (no overflow)
  • Leave space around carts so crews can access them
  • Keep carts clear of parked cars and obstacles

Bulk note

Buffalo rules typically allow 2 pieces of bulk next to your tote on your regular day.
If you have a very large cleanout (several cubic yards), you may need a private hauler.

♻️ Recycling — accepted & not accepted

Buffalo uses a cart-based program with an alternating-week schedule (confirm your week in the lookup tool).
Recyclables should be empty, dry & loose (no bagged recyclables).
If you want a simple explainer first, see:
Trash vs. Recycling (US).

Accepted (typical curbside)

  • Paper & flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Metal cans
  • Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs)
  • Cartons

Not accepted

  • Plastic bags/film
  • Food/liquids in containers
  • Foam (polystyrene)
  • Batteries, electronics, propane tanks

Tip: For item-specific guidance, use the official “What Goes Where” resources on Buffalo Recycles.

📦 Bulk / large items (2-piece rule)

Buffalo curbside rules typically allow residents to place up to two (2) pieces of bulk trash
next to the tote on your regular collection day (examples: furniture, a bundled brush bundle, mattress/box spring, etc.).

  • Set bulk out within the normal set-out window (no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before).
  • Each bundle/box counts as one piece.
  • Refrigerators/freezers: remove doors for safety.
  • Construction debris, tires, and fill are not curbside items (use drop-offs/haulers).

🌿 Yard debris & bundles

Yard debris rules can vary by season and neighborhood. In general, keep bundles manageable and follow the City’s preparation rules.

  • Bundle brush/branches into compact bundles (commonly ≤4 ft long).
  • Keep bundles light enough for crews to handle.
  • Do not mix yard debris into household trash totes.

🎉 Holiday schedule

Buffalo’s garbage and recycling run on the regular schedule year-round except for:
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Always confirm holiday notices on the City page.

🚚 Missed pickup — what to do

If your trash or recycling wasn’t collected:

  1. Confirm set-out window (after 7 p.m. / by 7 a.m.) and lids fully closed.
  2. Check your recycling week in the official lookup.
  3. If still missed, contact Buffalo 311 and leave materials accessible.

☎️ Official links & contacts (Buffalo)

FAQ — Buffalo trash & recycling

What day is trash pickup in Buffalo, NY?

Trash is collected weekly on your assigned day. Use the official Buffalo Recycles address lookup to confirm your exact collection day.

What time can I put my trash out in Buffalo?

Set materials out no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the evening before and no later than 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.

How often is recycling collected in Buffalo?

Recycling is collected weekly but follows an alternating-week schedule by neighborhood. Check your recycling week in the official lookup tool.

How does bulk pickup work in Buffalo?

Buffalo curbside rules typically allow up to two (2) pieces of bulk trash next to your tote on your regular collection day. Each bundle/box counts as one piece.

Do holidays delay trash and recycling in Buffalo?

Collection runs on the regular schedule all year except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Check the City page during holiday weeks for updates.