Sanitation — Tree Pit Used as Trash Receptacle

Tree pits are protected features of the public right-of-way. Placing trash, cigarette butts, dog waste, or debris in or around a tree pit is prohibited. Property owners adjacent to tree pits share responsibility for keeping them clear.

• garbage bags placed inside a street tree pit
• accumulation of trash, bottles, or cigarette butts within a tree pit
• dog waste visibly deposited in a tree pit
• tree pit being used as a de facto refuse dump adjacent to a business

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 / Parks.

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