DSNY will collect all leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper.

This includes meat, bones, dairy, prepared foods, and greasy uncoated paper plates and pizza boxes.

Learn how to dispose of specific items.

Set-Out Rules

Set out your leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper at the curb in your DSNY brown compost bin.

You do not have to use a DSNY brown bin. You can use any labeled bin (55 gallons or less) with a secure lid to dispose of your compost. 

Order a free Composting Bin Decal online at nyc.gov/CompostingBinDecal. Learn more about compost bins on the Trash, Recycling, and Compost Bins page.

Line your bin with a clear plastic, paper, or compostable bag to help keep it clean. Tie the bag closed before putting the bin out for collection.

• Extra leaf and yard waste can be put in a paper lawn and leaf bag or clear plastic bag.
• Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine and placed next to bins and bags.

Note: You can mix food scraps with leaf and yard waste only if you are using a bin with a secure lid.

Owners of buildings with 4+ units must provide a storage area and clearly labeled bins for the collection of yard waste. 

Set-Out Times

Compost is collected every week on the same day as recycling. 

Set composting out the night before your collection day: 

• After 6 PM, if using a bin, or 
• After 8 PM, if putting bags of leaf and yard waste directly on the curb. You can mix food scraps with leaf and yard waste only if you are using a bin with a secure lid. 

To ensure collection, all waste must be set out by midnight before your collection day.

Note: Bulk material should be set out on any collection day that is not your compost/recycling day. 

What Not to Compost 

Do not compost trash, such as:

• Diapers
• Personal hygiene products
• Animal waste
• Wrappers
• Non-paper packaging
• Foam products

Do not compost recyclable materials. Visit the Recycling Rules page to learn more about what you can recycle.

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) changed the usual time for placing trash, recycling, and compost out at the curb for collection. The new set-out times will help keep city streets clean and reduce food sources for rats.

Under the new rules, residential buildings must: 

• Place waste out after 6 PM in a secure container of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or
• Place waste out after 8 PM if putting bags directly on the curb.

Bundled cardboard and bulk items can be placed out any time between 6 PM and midnight.

Appliances containing CFC must be placed out between 6 PM and midnight the evening before the scheduled CFC and Freon Removal appointment.

To ensure collection, all waste must be set out no later than midnight the night before your collection day.

The new set-out times went into effect on April 1, 2023.

Policy Feedback

You can submit feedback to DSNY about the new set-out time policy.

Residential property owners are responsible for making sure all waste for their building is set out correctly for collection.

Fines may be issued for each violation, and the amount may increase with each additional violation issued within a 12-month period.

Learn more about collection laws for residents.
 
Setout

If you set your waste out incorrectly or at the wrong time, or on the wrong days, you may be fined:

• $50 for the first offense
• $100 for the second offense
• $200 for the third and subsequent offenses

Bins

If you use a bin that is broken or if waste spills out of your container, you may be fined:

• $50 for the first offense
• $100 for the second offense
• $200 for the third and subsequent offenses

Separation

If you do not separate your recyclables and composting from trash, or if you do not properly separate and set out recyclables correctly, you may receive a fine.

• Buildings with 1 to 8 units:
  • $25 for the first offense
  • $50 for the second offense
  • $100 for the third and subsequent offenses

•  Buildings with 9 or more units:
  • $100 for the first offense
  • $200 for the second offense
  • $300 for the third and subsequent offenses

Property owners of buildings with 9+ residential units and a janitorial staff may opt in to a 4 AM to 7 AM setout window during the yearly application period. The opt-in period only runs between January 1 and January 31 each year. 

The application period to opt into this alternate set-out time is currently closed.

If your application was approved, your building’s alternate set-out time is in effect from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. 

If your application was not approved, you must follow the set-out times for all other residential properties.

Buildings currently enrolled in the 4 AM to 7 AM set-out window cannot set out waste at any other time. Violators are subject to enforcement penalties. After two penalties, the property will be removed from the morning opt-in program.

You can contact the Department of Sanitation by email or by phone if you want to opt out of the program.

By Email

multiunitsetout@dsny.nyc.gov 

By Phone

If your collection day falls on a holiday, there may be changes to your collection schedule. 

Make sure to always check back near the date of the holiday to confirm the exact guidelines.

2024 Sanitation Holidays