Waste Setout Times Change April 1

Are you ready for new waste setout times? As part of its commitment to keeping our streets clean, The NYC Department of Sanitation is implementing new rules to reduce the time trash, recycling, and curbside composting sit on sidewalks. Many of you may need to prepare for these changes before they go into effect on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Businesses that place waste at the curb for collection have two options:

•  If using a container with a secure lid, place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, or
•  If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8:00pm.

This means that businesses that close before 8:00pm will need to use trash containers. They must remove the containers from the curb by the time they reopen. The rule does not apply to businesses that place waste at a loading dock for collection. You can view the flyer here.

Residential buildings have two options:

•  Place waste out after 6:00pm in a container of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or
•  Place waste out after 8:00pm if putting bags directly on the curb.

Residential buildings must set all waste out by midnight. However, some residential buildings may be participating in the Multiunit Building Collection Program, which allows approved multiunit buildings that contain nine or more dwelling units with on-site maintenance or janitorial staff to set out waste for collection between 4:00am and 7:00am on the day of collection instead of the times listed above. The enrollment period for the program was from January 1 – January 31. DSNY will notify approved buildings in writing by March 1, and enrollment will be effective April 1. You can view the flyer here. 

Enforcement of these rules will begin on April 1, 2023; there will not be a grace period or warning period. If a business or residential property sets out waste too early, it could result in fines of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for third and subsequent offenses within a 12-month period. 

The Lincoln Square BID is also working to remove bags in our district, which you can read more about in our story on the Clean Curbs Pilot Program. 

You can read the full text of the new rules here and learn more by visiting nyc.gov/SetoutTimes or calling 311.

Photo Credit: New York City Department of Sanitation

This story was updated on March 6, 2023.