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Setout and Containers

As of March 1, 2024, ALL businesses in NYC must use bins with secure lids when setting out trash for collection.

This applies to ALL businesses that set out waste on the curb. This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

As part of our commitment to keeping our streets clean, we implemented new rules to reduce the number of black bags that line city streets. We began the process in April 2023, when we changed the waste setout times for residents and businesses — reducing the time trash, recycling, and curbside composting will sit on sidewalks.

How to Separate and Set Out Waste

All trash, food, and food-soiled paper must be in a bin with a secure lid when set out at the curb for collection.

Businesses must have enough bins to contain waste generated in a 72-hour period.

Failure to comply may result in fines.

The requirement does not apply to recyclables (metal, glass, plastic, or clean paper and cardboard).

This rule does not require the separation of trash from food or food-soiled paper — it only the requires that these materials are placed in bins with secure lids for collection.

NOTE: Businesses required to source-separate organics under Local Law 146 of 2013 must continue to do so by placing their food waste in a separate bin with a secure lid. Trash must be set out in a separate bin from food and food-soiled paper. Find out if commercial organics requirements apply to you.

Setout Times

Place bins with secure lids at the curb 1 hour before closing or after 8:00 PM.

You may also use bins for recycling, but it is not required. Recycling in bags or bundles can be set out after 8:00 PM.

This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

Bins must be removed from the curb by the time your business reopens

Metal Containers (Dumpsters)

If trash is picked up using metal dumpsters, the containers must be:

  • Removed immediately after collection. If the collection service occurs overnight and a responsible party is not present, a reasonable amount of time (about an hour) is allowed for the removal of containers once the responsible party is on premise
  • Removed from sidewalks/streets and placed inside or in the rear of the of the building
  • Maintained in a neat, clean, and closed condition at all times, and the area around them must also remain neat and clean.

Storing Bins

Bins should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible, when not set out for collection.

If space is not available, bins can be stored within three (3) feet of the building line.

Bins (including dumpsters) must be covered at all times with securely fitting covers/lids.

Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path of pedestrian travel on the sidewalk.

Enclosures on the sidewalk are subject to DOT regulations.

Read the Adopted Rules