NEW YORK, NY — Trash & Recycling Pickup

New York City Trash, Recycling, Compost & Bulk Pickup Schedule (2025)

Everything you need for NYC (all five boroughs): set-out times, weekly trash & recycling, mandatory curbside composting, bulk rules (up to 6 items, no appointment), holiday changes, drop-off sites & SAFE events, and how to report missed service.

Updated:

Find My Collection Day
Set-out Rules
Compost Program

Set-out Times

🕕 **After 6:00 p.m.** if using **lidded containers (≤55 gal)**; **after 8:00 p.m.** if setting out **bags**. Special rules apply for large buildings and approved AM windows.

Mandatory Composting

Since **April 1, 2025**, separating organics is **mandatory**; property owners may be fined for non-compliance.

Bulk without appointment

You can set out up to **6 large items per collection day**; no appointment required.

📍 Collection Day Lookup (Official DSNY)

Check the day for your **trash, recycling, and compost** with the official DSNY tool (exact address) and enable reminders.

Open: Find My Collection Schedule

Set-out and compost rules are **citywide**; frequency can vary by route. Always verify your calendar in the lookup tool.

🗓️ Set-out Times & Weekly Service

  • Set-out (1–9 units): set out trash **after 6:00 p.m. in a lidded bin**; buildings with **10+ units** may also use bags **after 8:00 p.m.** Keep 3 ft of clearance and lids closed.
  • Recycling set-out: in a **lidded bin** from **6 p.m.** or in **clear bags** from **8 p.m.**
  • Frequency: DSNY provides **weekly** refuse and recycling collection to residences and schools.
  • Containerization: lidded bins required for 1–9 units since **Nov 12, 2024**; transition to “NYC Bins” continues.
  • Approved AM windows: some buildings have a **4–7 a.m.** window; if not approved, follow the general schedule.

♻️ Recycling — What Goes Where

Metal · Glass · Plastic · Cartons

  • Metal containers, aluminum foil and trays; EMPTY aerosols; metal lids/rings.
  • Glass bottles and jars.
  • Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs, battery-free toys, etc.).
  • Cartons (milk, juice, soup).

Paper & Cardboard

  • Mixed paper and flattened/tied cardboard; keep **separate from trash** (it may be collected the same day as recycling depending on your route). 1111
  • Avoid: soiled paper, food-contaminated cups, foam, cords/cables, batteries, and electronics.
Set recyclables **empty, rinsed, and loose**. Use a labeled lidded bin or clear bags to help collection.

🥕 Curbside Composting — Mandatory (Citywide)

  • All households must **separate** food scraps, food-soiled paper, and **yard waste**. As of **April 1, 2025**, **fines** may apply for non-compliance. Use a DSNY **brown bin** or any ≤55 gal lidded bin with a compost label.
  • Buildings with **4+ units**: must provide a **signed area** and clearly labeled compost containers.

How to Compost in NYC (DSNY)

📦 Bulk / Large Items (No Appointment)

  • Up to **6 large items** per **collection day**. **No appointment**. **Metal and rigid plastic** items go with **recycling**; the rest with **trash**. 1616
  • Mattresses/box springs must be **sealed in plastic**; appliances with refrigerant require special preparation (see DSNY).
  • Set out between **6 p.m. and midnight** the night before your day.

🧪 Special Waste, E-waste & Textiles

Special Waste Drop-Off Sites

Sites in all **5 boroughs**, open **Thu–Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.** (closed on holidays/weather). Accept HHW, paints, chemicals, etc.

Find a Special Waste Site

SAFE Events (HHW + Electronics)

**SAFE** events by borough (several dates each year). Check the current calendar.

Electronics (E-waste)

It’s illegal to place electronics in the trash. Options: **Special Waste**, **SAFE**, retailer **take-back**, or **ecycleNYC** (buildings with **10+ units**).

Textiles

**refashionNYC/DSNY** textile program for buildings; there are also bins and events citywide.

🎉 Holiday Schedule (Recognized by DSNY)

DSNY publishes the official list of recognized holidays (New Year’s, MLK Day, Lincoln’s, Presidents’, Memorial, Juneteenth, July 4, Labor, Columbus/Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples’, Election, Veterans, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Check the **lookup** for borough-specific delays/pauses.

See DSNY Holiday Schedule

🚚 Missed Pickup — What to Do

  1. Confirm timing and that you set out **correctly** (lidded bins/bags, hours, accessibility).
  2. Review your **Collection Schedule** (DSNY lookup) for delays/holidays.
  3. If still missed, report via **311** and keep materials out until further guidance.

🔗 Data Sources

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