New Trash Regulations Will Be Implemented in New York City

As the city attempts to handle its escalating rat problem, residents of New York will have to put out their trash much later in the day beginning of April 1.

As the city works to combat its expanding rat problem, New Yorkers will soon have to leave out their trash much later in the day.

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced the final publication of new rules to limit the number of hours trash, recycling, and organics will sit on New York City sidewalks by adjusting the time of day those materials may be placed on the curb. This is part of the Adams administration’s ongoing commitment to clean up New York City’s streets and support the city’s economic recovery. This fulfills a promise made in the middle of October and follows a 30-day public comment process and public hearing.

The current policy allows for trash, recycling, and organics to be put out on the curb after 4:00 PM the night before collection, which is the latest in any major American city. As a result, in many neighborhoods, these items can sit out for more than 14 hours, including during the evening rush hour for pedestrians. The city’s recovery will be aided by these new regulations, which take effect on April 1, 2023.

This will cut down on the amount of time trash is left out on the curb, lessen the blight of black bags, lessen the amount of trash that rats can get into, improve cleanliness, and reduce the amount of trash that is left out for rats.

Garbage can be removed after 6 p.m. beginning on April 1, 2023, but it must be in a secure container. Before, garbage could be left outside for collection after 4 p.m.

Only after 8 p.m. can rubbish bags be placed directly on the curb; bundled cardboard must be placed next to safe containers.

Buildings with nine or more apartments have the option to put the trash out between 4 and 7 in the morning.

This announcement also includes newly defined regulations for businesses that use private waste haulers rather than the DSNY for service. Companies can select from the following choices:

If you’re placing trash bags on the curb, put them out after 8:00 PM. One hour prior to closure put trash in a closed container. Cardboard rolls could be placed next to the container.

The first offense carries a $50 fine; subsequent offenses carry a $100 fine.