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.
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. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Mandatory Composting
Since **April 1, 2025**, separating organics is **mandatory**; property owners may be fined for non-compliance. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Bulk without appointment
You can set out up to **6 large items per collection day**; no appointment required. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
📍 Collection Day Lookup (Official DSNY)
Check the day for your **trash, recycling, and compost** with the official DSNY tool (exact address) and enable reminders. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Open: Find My Collection Schedule
🗓️ 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. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Recycling set-out: in a **lidded bin** from **6 p.m.** or in **clear bags** from **8 p.m.** :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Frequency: DSNY provides **weekly** refuse and recycling collection to residences and schools. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Containerization: lidded bins required for 1–9 units since **Nov 12, 2024**; transition to “NYC Bins” continues. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Approved AM windows: some buildings have a **4–7 a.m.** window; if not approved, follow the general schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
♻️ 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). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
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). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Avoid: soiled paper, food-contaminated cups, foam, cords/cables, batteries, and electronics. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
🥕 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. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Buildings with **4+ units**: must provide a **signed area** and clearly labeled compost containers. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
📦 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**. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Mattresses/box springs must be **sealed in plastic**; appliances with refrigerant require special preparation (see DSNY). :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Set out between **6 p.m. and midnight** the night before your day. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
🧪 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. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
SAFE Events (HHW + Electronics)
**SAFE** events by borough (several dates each year). Check the current calendar. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
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**). :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Textiles
**refashionNYC/DSNY** textile program for buildings; there are also bins and events citywide. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
🎉 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. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
🚚 Missed Pickup — What to Do
- Confirm timing and that you set out **correctly** (lidded bins/bags, hours, accessibility). :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Review your **Collection Schedule** (DSNY lookup) for delays/holidays. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
- If still missed, report via **311** and keep materials out until further guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
🔗 Data Sources
- Find Your Collection Schedule (DSNY) :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
- Residential Trash & Recycling Set-out Rules — NYC311 :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- Collection Laws for Residents — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
- Recycling for Residents — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
- Curbside Composting (Mandatory) — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
- Curbside Composting — NYC311 (fines & rules) :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
- Large Items / Bulk — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
- Bulk Item Disposal — NYC311 :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
- Special Waste Drop-Off Sites — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
- SAFE Disposal Events — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
- Electronics & E-Waste — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
- ecycleNYC (buildings 10+ units) — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
- Textile Recycling Collection — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}
- Holiday Schedule — DSNY :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}