Living rule book
NYC trash rules on one street
Each number marks a rule. Pick a number to zoom in and read the rule with its official source. Open it to read the full rule page.
- Not allowed
- Allowed
- What the rule is about
- Distance in the rule
Plain-language summaries. The official text linked with each rule is the law. Not legal advice.
All rules on this street
The same rules as the drawing, in order.
1. 1–9 homes: official NYC Bin
Allowed · DSNY residential containerization
Buildings with 1 to 9 homes must set out trash only in official NYC Bins. DSNY says this applies since June 1, 2026, with full enforcement from September 8, 2026.
Official sources
Read the rule →2. Set-out times
Allowed · 16 RCNY § 1-02.1(a)(1)–(2)
Trash in a bin with a tight-fitting lid may go out after 6 PM the day before pickup. Bags may go out after 8 PM. Everything must be out by midnight.
Official sources
Read the rule →3. Take empty bins back in
Not allowed · 16 RCNY § 1-02.1(a)(6)
Remove bins from the curb before 9 PM on pickup day. If pickup is after 4 PM, remove them before 9 AM the next day.
Official sources
Open the official source →4. Bin storage: within 3 feet
Allowed · 16 RCNY § 1-02.1(d)
If there is no other storage space, bins may stay on the sidewalk within 3 feet of the building line. Keep them clean and orderly, and do not block people walking.
Official sources
Open the official source →5. Lids closed, enough bins
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-120(a)
A building must have enough receptacles to hold 72 hours of waste. DSNY may fine bins that are broken, have no secure lid, or let waste spill out.
Official sources
Read the rule →6. Recycling: labeled bins or clear bags
Allowed · DSNY collection laws; 16 RCNY § 1-08
Keep recycling apart from trash, in labeled bins or CLEAR plastic bags. Cardboard may be flattened and tied. Do not use cardboard boxes as bins.
Official sources
Read the rule →7. Food and yard waste
Allowed · DSNY collection laws
Since April 1, 2025, separating food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste from trash is mandatory citywide. Use a labeled bin with a secure lid or a DSNY brown bin.
Official sources
Open the official source →8. Mattress in a sealed bag
Allowed · DSNY collection laws
A mattress or box spring set out for collection must be fully inside a clear plastic bag that is sealed.
Official sources
Open the official source →9. Business set-out times
Allowed · 16 RCNY § 1-02.1(b)
A business with private carter pickup may set out bins with tight lids 1 hour before closing. Other material may go out after 8 PM. Bins must leave the curb by the time the business reopens.
Official sources
Read the rule →10. Businesses: bins with lids
Not allowed · DSNY business setout rules
Since March 1, 2024, every business that sets trash out at the curb must use bins with secure lids. DSNY says failure to comply may result in fines. This does not apply to pickup from a loading dock.
Official sources
Read the rule →11. Litter basket: no household trash
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-120(e)
Do not put household or business trash in a public litter basket. DSNY says misuse can be fined up to $350.
Official sources
Open the official source →12. Clean sidewalk + 18 inches of gutter
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-118(2)(a)
The owner or person in charge must keep the sidewalk and curb in front of the building free of litter, and also clean 1.5 feet into the street from the curb.
Official sources
Read the rule →13. Illegal dumping
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 16-119
No dumping of waste or debris from a truck or other vehicle onto a street, sidewalk or lot. The civil penalty starts at $4,000 for a first offense.
Official sources
Read the rule →
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