Photo Courtesy of DSNY
The new rules go into effect April 1.
By Michael V. Cusenza
In an effort to combat the burgeoning rat issue across the five boroughs by reducing the time that trash, recycling, and curbside composting will sit on sidewalks, the City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is changing their waste set out times next month, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) noted on Tuesday.
Starting April 1, the new rules for setting out trash, recycling, and curbside composting will go into effect. There are different rules governing residential buildings and commercial buildings.
Residential buildings have three options (one of which requires an opt-in by buildings in the month of January):
- Place trash out after 6 p.m. in a container with a secure lid;
- Place trash out after 8 p.m. if putting bags directly on the curb; or
- If a building has nine or more residential units, the property owner may opt into a 4 a.m. – 7 a.m. set-out window instead. The opt-in period runs each year for the month of January, which allows DSNY to design quick and efficient routes that take effect on April 1 each year. To learn more about this option, visit nyc.gov/multiunitsetout.
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
“Residents across the city have seen rats roaming their neighborhoods at night looking for some food or shelter. Mayor Eric Adams is taking the fight to these rats, and is asking for all of our help,” Sen. Addabbo said.
Businesses that place the waste at the curb for collection have two options:
- If using a container with a secure lid, place the waste at the curb one hour before closing; or
- If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8 p.m.
In either case, bundled cardboard may go next to the containers or bags. These rules do not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.
“Residents across the city have seen rats roaming their neighborhoods at night looking for some food or shelter. Mayor Eric Adams is taking the fight to these rats, and is asking for all of our help,” Addabbo said. “As part of that fight, we are being asked to change the time that we put out our garbage the night before collection day. I encourage all of my constituents to review these new rules and make a plan to adhere to them starting on April 1 because there will be no grace period for this program and fines will be assessed to those not following the new times.”
For both residential properties and businesses, setting out garbage too early could result in fines of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for third and subsequent offenses within a 12-month period. There will not be a grace period or warning period for these changes; enforcement begins April 1, 2023.
To learn more about these changes and when you can put out your garbage, visit nyc.gov/SetoutTimes.
