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Types of Service

All businesses producing commercial waste must comply with applicable NYC containerization, recycling and source-separation, collection, and disposal rules. These requirements include contracting with a private carter to remove your commercial waste or using another approved disposal method.

While most businesses opt for standard curbside service provided by private carters, other service types may be a better fit for your business.

Standard Curbside Service

Most businesses hire private carters for scheduled weekly pickups of trash, recycling, and organics.

It is the responsibility of your private carter to provide your business with a decal to be displayed in the window or other prominent location at the entry of your business.

All businesses that use a private carter for commercial waste removals services will need to sign a new contract with an authorized carter by the final implementation date of the Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) that covers the geographic area where your business is located.

Learn more about the CWZ implementation timeline and cohorts and find your zone on the map.

Sharing Services

If your business produces only a small amount of waste for disposal (less than 20 gallons over seven consecutive days), you can share private carter services with adjacent businesses.

All businesses in implemented zones who share private carter collection services must hold either a shared or separate CWZ contract with an authorized carter and be given a free decal, which must be displayed in the window or other prominent location at the entry of the business clearly showing the carter name and frequency of waste pick-ups.

Dumpster/Compactor Service

Businesses with high-volumes of waste can use dumpsters or compactors to containerize their waste. These large metal container can hold 10 cubic yards or more.

Businesses can hire a private carter to provide dumpster or compactor commercial waste removal services. Once the zone covering the geographic area where your business is located has been implemented, this service can also only be provided by NYC-authorized carters.

Learn more about Zone-authorized and Citywide-authorized carters.

Self Hauler

Businesses can transport or "self haul" their own waste for disposal after applying for and receiving City approval.

To become a "self-hauler, you must:

NOTE: It is ILLEGAL to remove, collect, or dispose of trade waste without the proper BIC registration.

Infrequent Waste

If your business produces less than one gallon of commercial waste per week, you can register with DSNY as an infrequent waste generator.

You must submit a registration form and receive approval from DSNY to qualify as an infrequent waste generator.

NOTE: It is ILLEGAL to dispose of any type of material or debris and dump it on any street, lot, park, public space – public or private.

Apply to be an Infrequent Waste Generator

Exceptions

Certain waste streams are exempted by law from CWZ program requirements and therefore do not require a DSNY-authorized carter.

However, these specialized waste streams must be collected by a carter that holds the appropriate BIC license or registration, which depends on the type of waste being collected.

Waste streams exempted from CWZ include: