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.

Opt-in for Morning Setout for Multi-Unit Buildings

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 set-out time will be in effect beginning April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. If your building was not approved for an alternate set-out time, 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.

Enforcement Grace Period

Enforcement grace period for new set-out times ended on May 1.

Policy Feedback

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

You can make a CFC removal appointment for a residential address or a non-profit institution serviced by DSNY.

Appliances that cool/chill and contain CFC include, but are not limited to:

• Refrigerators and freezers with non-flammable Freon
• Air conditioners
• Dehumidifiers
• Water or wine coolers

Up to 10 appliances can be scheduled for CFC removal per appointment.

Appliances with Flammable Freon

Some appliances contain a new kind of Freon (R600a or R32) that DSNY will not remove. These appliances have warning stickers that are yellow triangles with black flames. Contact the appliance's manufacturer or a waste removal vendor for options to safely dispose of the appliance. If you put out an appliance with this sticker, DSNY will tag it with a red sticker that will tell you how to dispose of it.

Appliances from Commercial Addresses

Stores and other commercial locations must arrange with a private carter for CFC removal and item disposal.

Oversized Appliances

If your appliance is oversized or commercial-sized, it won't fit in the garbage truck. You must hire a private removal service or carter for disposal. You can search the internet to find a business that offers private waste disposal.

Soda Machines

To dispose of a soda machine, you must make a special request by phone.

Step 1: Schedule the appointment online yourself or with 311. DSNY does not accept same day appointments. You can schedule up to 10 items per appointment. Keep your appointment number for future reference.

Step 2: Remove doors, hinges, and locks if you’re disposing of a refrigerator or freezer.

Step 3: Place the item curbside between 6 PM and midnight the evening before the scheduled appointment. The appliance must be placed with its back facing the street. You don’t have to do anything else.

Step 4: On the appointment day, DSNY will remove the CFC and tag the appliance. The tag has a six-digit number so that collection workers can verify that it is ready for pick-up.

Step 5: DSNY collection workers will pick up the tagged items on your next recycling day.

You can confirm and check the status of your CFC removal appointment with your Service Request number.

If you provided your email address when scheduling a CFC removal appointment, you should have received an email confirmation with your Service Request number a few minutes after making the appointment.

You ​must have your service request number to cancel or reschedule an appointment, up to 24 hours before your appointment date. If you’ve already placed the appliance at the curb, you must bring it back inside.

If you didn’t cancel your appointment and your appliance is curbside, Sanitation will still try to pick it up. If they can’t find it, they’ll close the appointment with the note "Not On Location."

The CFC removal service is only available to residential addresses and non-profit institutions serviced by the Department of Sanitation. Stores and other commercial locations must arrange with a private carter for CFC removal and item disposal.

To learn more, visit to the Waste Disposal for Businesses page.

Schools

Schools can make appointments for regular appliances, but they must use private contractors for oversized or commercial-size appliances.