Sanitation — Trash Placed Out Too Early (Before 4pm)

Residential and commercial waste must not be placed on the sidewalk earlier than 4:00 PM the evening before scheduled collection. Placing garbage out too early creates obstructions and attracts pests.

• multiple garbage bags piled on sidewalk during daytime hours
• trash bags or bins blocking pedestrian path mid-afternoon or morning
• commercial garbage left outside during business hours before 4pm
• large accumulation of waste bags obstructing sidewalk with no collection truck present

1. Photograph trash, bags, or spill at the curb with building address visible.
2. Note time of day — set-out time violations require proof of early placement.
3. File at 311 under Dirty Conditions or Sanitation.
4. For commercial waste, note business name on signage if visible.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DSNY.

DSNY fines range from $50–$500+ for set-out time, containerization, and dirty-area violations. Repeat commercial offenders may face escalated penalties.

DSNY Sanitation Enforcement inspects and may issue Notices of Violation. Residential issues may be referred to property management; commercial routes get BIC oversight.

• Dirty sidewalks
• Rats and rodents