Trash Pickup Schedule Day • New York

New York City (NYC) Trash, Recycling, Compost & Bulk Pickup Schedule (2026) — The Complete Guide

Everything you need for NYC (all five boroughs): official collection lookup, set-out times, weekly service basics,
mandatory curbside composting, bulk rules (up to 6 items, no appointment), Special Waste Drop-Off sites,
SAFE events, and how to report missed service.

NYC key rules in 10 seconds: If you use lidded containers (≤55 gal), set out after 6:00 p.m..
If you set out bags, do it after 8:00 p.m.. Some buildings have approved 4–7 a.m. windows.
Use the DSNY lookup for your exact calendar and alerts.

🔎 Collection day lookup (Official DSNY)

Use the official DSNY tool to check your trash, recycling, and compost pickup calendar by exact address and enable reminders.

  1. Open DSNY lookup: Find My Collection Schedule
  2. Enter your address and note the collection days for trash, recycling, and compost.
  3. Before holiday weeks, re-check for temporary changes.
Tip: Set-out rules are citywide, but frequency/cadence can vary by route. Always follow your DSNY calendar.

🕒 Set-out times & weekly service (NYC)

NYC has strict containerization rules. These are the most common rules for residential buildings—always follow DSNY guidance if your building has a special schedule.

✅ Set out after

  • 6:00 p.m. — if using lidded containers (≤55 gal)
  • 8:00 p.m. — if setting out bags
  • Keep lids closed and leave space/clearance at curb

🏢 Building notes

  • Large buildings may have additional rules/options
  • Some locations have approved 4–7 a.m. windows
  • NYC continues transitioning to “NYC Bins”

📅 Weekly service

DSNY provides weekly refuse and recycling collection for residences and schools.
Confirm your exact schedule using the DSNY lookup.

♻️ Recycling — what goes where (NYC)

NYC recycling is commonly split into categories. Keep recyclables empty, rinsed, and loose and follow your building’s container setup.
If you want a quick US-wide explanation too, use: Trash vs. Recycling (US).

Metal · Glass · Plastic · Cartons

  • Metal containers, foil/trays; empty aerosols
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs, etc.)
  • Cartons (milk, juice, soup)

Paper & Cardboard

  • Mixed paper and flattened/tied cardboard
  • Keep paper/cardboard separate when required by your building
  • Avoid soiled paper, foam, cords/cables, batteries, and electronics

Reminder: Electronics and hazardous waste are not trash or curbside recycling—use Special Waste options below.

🥕 Curbside composting — mandatory (citywide)

NYC requires households to separate organics (food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste). As of April 1, 2025, enforcement and fines may apply.

  • Use a DSNY brown bin or any ≤55 gal lidded bin labeled for compost.
  • Buildings with 4+ units must provide a signed area and clearly labeled compost containers.

Official guide: How to Compost in NYC (DSNY)

📦 Bulk / large items (no appointment)

NYC bulk pickup does not require an appointment for many items. Follow DSNY prep rules for mattresses and appliances.

  • Set out up to 6 large items per collection day (no appointment required).
  • Metal & rigid plastic bulk items typically go with recycling; most other bulk goes with trash.
  • Mattresses/box springs must be sealed in plastic.
  • Set out between 6 p.m. and midnight the night before your day.

Official bulk rules: Large Items / Bulk (DSNY)

🧪 Special waste, e-waste & textiles

Don’t put electronics or hazardous materials in the trash. NYC provides multiple options depending on your building and borough.

Special Waste Drop-Off Sites

Sites in all five boroughs. Common hours are Thu–Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed on holidays/weather).

Find a Special Waste site

SAFE disposal events

SAFE events happen by borough several dates per year. Check the current calendar before you go.

SAFE events schedule

Electronics (e-waste)

Electronics are illegal to put in the trash. Options: Special Waste sites, SAFE events, retailer take-back, or ecycleNYC for buildings with 10+ units.

E-waste options (DSNY)

Textiles

NYC has textile collection programs and drop-offs depending on building type and location.

Textile recycling (DSNY)

🎉 Holiday schedule (DSNY)

DSNY recognizes specific holidays. Service can pause or shift—always check your address in the DSNY lookup during holiday weeks.

Official holiday list: DSNY Holiday Schedule

❗ Missed pickup — what to do

If your trash, recycling, or compost wasn’t collected:

  1. Confirm set-out timing (6 p.m. bins / 8 p.m. bags) and correct containers.
  2. Check your DSNY lookup calendar for delays/holidays.
  3. If still missed, report via 311 and follow guidance; keep materials out if advised.

FAQ — NYC trash & recycling

What time should I set out trash and recycling in NYC?

If using lidded containers (≤55 gal), set out after 6:00 p.m. If using bags, set out after 8:00 p.m. Some buildings have approved 4–7 a.m. windows—follow DSNY guidance for your address/building.

Is composting mandatory in NYC?

Yes. NYC curbside composting is mandatory citywide, and enforcement/fines may apply. Use a DSNY brown bin or a labeled lidded bin (≤55 gal).

Do I need an appointment for bulk pickup in NYC?

No. You can set out up to six large items on your regular collection day. Metal and rigid plastic bulk items typically go with recycling; most other bulk goes with trash.

Where can I bring hazardous or electronic waste?

Use DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off sites or SAFE events. For electronics, retailer take-back is also an option, and ecycleNYC is available for buildings with 10+ units.

Do holidays delay collection in NYC?

DSNY recognizes specific holidays and service can change. Check your address in the DSNY schedule lookup during holiday weeks.


☎️ Official links & contacts (NYC)