New York City Department of Sanitation311Search all NYC.gov websites
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 are caught littering, or you are a property owner who has not kept the public areas near your property clean (even if a chronic littering report has been filed), you may be fined of up to $400.
Report dirty conditions
- Report loose trash, stray bags, or broken glass on a sidewalk.
- Report loose trash, stray bags, or broken glass in a yard or alley.
- Report litter or debris on a highway.
- Report chronic littering.
Litter Baskets
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 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.
Learn more about the Adopt-a-basket program.
OpenData
Data is available on the NYC OpenData portal for: