Help Center
Trash
New Yorkers throw out over 10,000 tons of garbage a day. The best way to keep garbage from landfills is by limiting the materials you use. Reduce use when you can – and reuse and recycle the rest. We offer curbside collection service, making it easy for you to get rid of your trash and keep our city clean.
PLEASE SCHEDULE A TIME WITH YOUR SUPERINTENDENT FOR LARGE ITEM REFUSE
A large item (also known as bulk) is something that is too large to fit into a bin or bag. NYC residents can get free curbside removal of large items.
Set your large items out at the curb next to your trash. You can set out up to six items (bags, bundles) per collection day. Pick-up appointments are no longer offered and cannot be scheduled.
You can set out:
- Metal and rigid plastic items before your recycling collection
- Non-recyclable items before your trash collection
Find your collection schedule.
NOTE: If you receive Curbside Composting collection, large items should be set out on your trash-only day, NOT your recycling day.
Items with Special Disposal Rules
The following large items have special disposal rules. If you do not follow these rules, the items will not be collected, and you will be fined.
Mattresses and box springs
Mattresses and box springs MUST be sealed in plastic bags. This helps prevent the spread of bed bugs.
Carpets, rugs, and lumber
Carpets, rugs, and lumber must be bundled and securely tied.
Electronics
Electronics (like TVs, computers, and printers) MUST be disposed of according to specific e-waste guidelines.
Refrigerators and air conditioners
Refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances with Freon MUST have CFC gas removed. Make a CFC recovery appointment.
Construction debris
Debris generated by contractors MUST be removed by private carters or dumpster services. Contracting companies should arrange for private disposal of items such as heaters, sinks, and tubs.
How to Separate Recycling
Metal, glass, plastic, and cartons
You can recycle metal, glass jars and bottles, rigid plastics (the recycling number on the package doesn’t matter), and cartons together in labeled bin with a secure lid or a clear plastic bag.
NOTE: Empty, rinsed containers are easier to process and less attractive to rodents and roaches
Mixed paper and carboard
You can recycle mixed paper together in a labeled bin with a secure lid or a clear plastic bag. Bundle cardboard (flatten and tie with twine) and set out next to bins or bags.
What Cannot Be Recycled
Most items that cannot be recycled can be thrown in the trash.
- Tanglers: Cables, wires, extension cords, string lights, garden hoses, window blinds
- Bowling balls and any sports balls
- Cassette and VHS tapes
- Single-use plastic bags
Some materials MUST be disposed of separately.
- Lithium-ion and other non-alkaline batteries
- Medical waste, sharps, and containers holding discarded sharpes
- Anything labeled hazardous or flammable (cigarette and butane gas lighters, fuel tanks)
- Refrigerators and air conditioners
- Electronics/e-waste
It’s ILLEGAL to dispose of certain electronic devices with trash or recycling. Some electronics contain harmful materials and are toxic to the environment.
Types of E-Waste
Only certain electronic items qualify as e-waste under the NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act. Check the full list of items covered by the act.
Computers
- Desktop towers
- Laptops
- Small-scale servers
Computer accessories (peripherals)
- Monitors
- Electronic keyboards, mice and pointing devices
- Printers, scanners, and fax machines
- External hard drives
TV and video equipment
- Televisions
- VCRs, DVD players, and DVRs
- Cable boxes, digital converters, and satellite receivers
- Cathode ray tubes
Portable electronic devices
- Cell phones, tablets, and e-readers
- Portal digital music players
Home electronics
- Electronic or video game consoles (including handheld)
- Virtual reality headsets (with processors)
- Digital picture frames
NOTE: Items covered under New York State’s Electronic Equipment and Telephone Recycling Acts DO NOT include most electronic household appliances (microwave ovens, refrigerators), digital cameras, radios, calculators, GPS devices, power tools, medical equipment, or batteries. Though they do not qualify as e-waste, they may still have special disposal rules.
Starting January 1, 2024, buildings with compost bins will no longer be accepting food waste in the regular trash bins.
Please follow the directions below on how to compost food scraps and waste.
Curbside Composting is continuing for residents — there will be no suspensions or pauses.
Compost is picked up every week on your recycling day. Find your collection schedule.
Do not compost recyclable materials. Learn more about what you can recycle.
NOTE: Large or bulky items should be set out on your trash-only day, NOT your recycling day.