Sanitation — Recycling Not Separated

Recyclable paper, metal, glass, and rigid plastic must be separated from general refuse and placed in clearly designated recycling containers (blue for metal/glass/plastic, green for paper, or labeled clear bags). Mixing recyclables with trash is a violation.

• cardboard and paper mixed into a black trash bag at curb
• glass bottles or metal cans visible within regular refuse bags
• recyclable materials placed with general waste rather than in labeled blue/green bins
• absence of any recycling separation at a building with multiple bags out for pickup

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