| 1. When is my Recycling or Collection Day? |
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See Collection Schedule.
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| 2. When is my Garbage collected? |
| See Collection Schedule. |
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| 3. Do I need special labels on my recycling containers for curbside pick-up by Sanitation crews? |
Recycling containers must be labeled on both sides and the lid with Department of Sanitation decals, or permanently marked in letters at least 4" high:
- RECYCLING: BOTTLES, CANS & FOIL (blue
decal)
- RECYCLING: MIXED PAPER (green decal).
You can get free decals to label containers for curbside collection using Literature/Decal Request or call the NYC Citizen Service Center at 311.
See what and how to recycle in New York City.
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| 4. How do I get Recycling Decals? |
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See Literature/Decal Request or call the New York City Citizen Service Center at 311.
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| 5. Does Sanitation redistribute good quality furniture or other reusable items placed at the curb? |
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No, it is not legally or logistically possible for the Department of Sanitation to operate such a program.
Some reusable goods left at the curb may be taken away by scavengers. By the time Sanitation trucks arrive, non-metal bulk items left at the curb will be collected as refuse, while metal bulk items left at the curb will be collected for recycling.
To make sure your reusable goods find a new home, see New Homes for Old Stuff on our NYCWasteLess website.
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| 6. How do I dispose of automotive batteries? |
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It is illegal to discard automotive batteries in your garbage and recycling can.
Automotive batteries may only be disposed of by delivery to:
a. Any retailer, distributor, collector, or recycler of automotive batteries, or
b. DSNY's Special Waste Drop-Off Sites.
Retailers who sell automotive batteries are required by New York State law to accept up to two batteries per month per person for free. There is a $5 surcharge added to the purchase price of all new auto batteries. If an auto battery is returned at the time a new battery is purchased or within 30 days after purchasing a new battery, the $5 surcharge will be waived or refunded.
Rechargeable batteries may be recycled by taking them to:
a. Any retailer who sells rechargeable batteries or products containing rechargeable batteries (except small food stores).
b. DSNY's Special Waste Drop-Off Sites.
New York City stores that sell rechargeable batteries or products containing rechargeable batteries (except small food stores) must accept rechargeable batteries for recycling during normal business hours, no purchase necessary.
Place non-rechargeable batteries with your regular garbage or bring them to a Special Waste Drop-Off Site. Do not place ANY battery in your recycling bin.
See batteries on our NYC Wasteless website for waste prevention and disposal tips.
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| 7. How do I dispose of paint and paint cans? |
- Full unopened cans may be:
- Returned to point of purchase, or
- For latex based paint only, taken to any Special Waste Drop-Off Site.
- For partially full cans:
- Open can, let paint dry out and place
in regular trash, or
- Pour paint into a non-recyclable
container, and place in trash; put empty metal paint can in
recycling bin, or
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Pour paint into absorbent material (e.g. kitty litter, sand, rags, newspaper) then place material in trash; and place empty metal paint can in recycling bin.
See paint for waste prevention tips and where to donate paint.
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| 8. How do I dispose of tree prunings or firewood? |
| In Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, tree prunings or firewood require special handling due to the Asian Longhorn Beetle infestation. Schedule an appointment with the Parks Department by calling 311 or online. |
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| 9. When is my bulk collection day? Do I need an appointment? |
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Except for refrigeration appliances containing CFC/Freon gas, you do not need an appointment for collection.
Bulky items that are too large for your garbage can be placed beside your regular garbage for collection on any of your regular collection days.
Metal bulky items should be placed beside your recycling bin on your recycling collection day.
For more information, see Bulk Collection. To donate your reusable goods, see New Homes for Old Stuff on our NYCWasteLess website.
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| 10. How many pieces of bulk can I place out for pickup? |
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Each collection day you can discard up to 6 pieces of bulk, which includes bags of plaster, broken rock, or dirt (max weight 60 lbs); bundles of wood (no longer than 4 feet, nails removed); or rugs (tied in 5 foot lengths); and any other non-metal items too large for your can.
For more information, see Bulk Collection. To donate your reusable goods, see New Homes for Old Stuff on our NYCWasteLess website.
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| 11. What bulk items are recyclable? |
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Recycle bulk includes any large item that is 100% metal (such as a metal file cabinet) or predominantly metal (such as aluminum lawn furniture with plastic webbing, and "white goods" -- large appliances including washers, dryers, refrigerators*, air conditioners* -- even though they contain some nonmetal parts.
*Before discarding any appliance containing CFCs (Freon), you must make an appointment for removal of the toxic CFC gas.
Place bulk metal items that are too large for your recycling bin at the curb for collection on your regular Recycling Day. See Bulk Collection for more info.
Examples of regular bulk items that are collected as garbage include: computers, mattresses, microwaves, televisions, sofas, easy chairs, wood tables. See Electronics Recycling to find alternate disposal options for some of these items. To donate reusable goods, see New Homes for Old Stuff on our NYCWasteLess website.
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| 12. Why wasn't my bulk item picked up? |
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Either this was a Missed Recycling Collection, or the item is too large/heavy for regular pick-ups. In either case, report as Missed Recycling Collection or call the NYC Citizen Service Center at 311.
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| 13. How do I dispose of a refrigeration appliance (i.e. air conditioner , refrigerator, freezer, etc.)? |
ALL NYC residents are required by law to arrange for the recovery of CFC/Freon gas when discarding freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, water coolers, or dehumidifiers.
See CFC/Freon Recovery Appointment Request to schedule an appointment.
Doors must be removed from refrigerators and freezers, for safety reasons. |
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| 14. I received a summons. What did I do wrong? |
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There are multiple Sanitation laws. Go to Digest of Codes to determine what the problem may be.
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15. I received a summons. What do I do?
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Although you may have received a summons issued by a Sanitation Officer, the Department of Sanitation has no jurisdiction over the resolution of the summons.
You may pay or contest any summons by contacting the Environmental Control Board, which is the adjudicative body in these instances. You may answer the summons online, by mail, or by appearing before the Environmental Control Board, as explained in the instructions on the back of the summons.
You may also request to have the issuing officer present at your hearing. If you have a complaint about the Sanitation Enforcement Officer who issued the summons, please contact the NYC Department of Sanitation.
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16. How do I report a violation?
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Use the appropriate Service Request Form to report violations of Sanitation regulations applying to recycling, littering, canine, sidewalks, and receptacles. |
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17. How do I report an illegal dumper?
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