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Litter & Litter Baskets

Litter

It's illegal to leave trash on the sidewalk, in the street, or any other public space, or to throw it out building windows or vehicles.

Do not sweep or blow trash or debris into the street. Securely bundle, tie, or package any waste that might blow away or get scattered while waiting for collection.

Property owners are responsible for keeping the public areas near their property clean and litter-free. Public areas include:

  • Sidewalks (including tree pits and grass strips)
  • Streets
  • Gutter areas (18 inches from the curb into the street)
  • Yards
  • Alleys
  • Air shafts

It is also illegal for landscapers to disperse yard waste in or around streets, sidewalks, and curbs.

  • If you litter – or are a property owner who has not kept your public areas free from litter – you may be fined up to $400.

Report Dirty Conditions

Litter Baskets

We service NYC's public litter baskets, which can be found on the corners of commercial streets and near transportation hubs.

Public litter baskets are for pedestrians to throw away light trash. Do not dispose of household or commercial waste in litter baskets. You may dispose of dog waste, but only if it is within a tied bag.

  • If you misuse a public litter basket, you may be fined up to $350.

Report a missing or overflowing litter basket, or one being used for household or commercial waste.

New or Replacement Baskets

You can suggest a location for a new public litter basket, or request that a current one be replaced.

Baskets are generally located along standard collection routes and are placed within commercial or mixed-use areas or near public transportation.

NOTE: We do not accept requests for locations on streets that are mostly residential or industrial, or if they are in the middle of a block.

Suggest a location for a new or replacement public litter basket.

OpenData

Data is available on the NYC OpenData portal for: