Sanitation — Illegal Dumping (Non-Resident / Commercial Dumping)

No person shall dispose of any waste, debris, construction material, furniture, or refuse on any public sidewalk, street, vacant lot, or at a location not belonging to that person. Illegal dumping carries significant fines and is a DSNY enforcement priority.

• mattress, furniture, or appliance dumped on sidewalk far from any residence
• construction debris piled on a public sidewalk without a permit
• bags of trash dumped at a vacant lot or street corner
• large-scale refuse accumulation inconsistent with a single residence's normal output

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