Simplifying NYC Garbage Rules

Living in a densely populated city comes with plenty of perks, but it can also come with a fair share of complications. Strict and sometimes complex regulations make it difficult to understand how and where you can dispose of anything beyond basic household waste. This can be particularly challenging if you’re planning a move, cleaning out an estate, starting an ambitious organization project or anything else that involves a relatively large volume of waste.

Understanding NYC Garbage Rules

You can’t make sure you’re staying on the right side of all the rules and regulations if you don’t first have a basic understanding of what they require. NYC garbage rules and regulations cover everything from mattress disposal to mandated recycling of electronics, with specific disposal requirements for a wide variety of items.

Do you need to get rid of an old mattress? Depending on its size, you’ll probably have to make a special appointment for pickup. Before you place the mattress out for collection, you’ll need to make sure it’s completely covered by a specialized mattress bag designed to prevent the spread of bedbugs. The Department of Sanitation does not provide these bags, so you’ll need to locate and purchase one yourself. Skip the bagging step and not only will DSNY refuse to collect your mattress, you could also be looking at fines and citations.

Are you working out the logistics of a renovation or home improvement project? DSNY will collect as many as six large objects free of charge with an appointment but strictly prohibits waste from contractors. If you’re going to work with a professional contractor, private pickup is the only way to stay on the right side of these regulations. Carpet, rugs and lumber are accepted but must be tied into bundles no larger than 2×4 feet.

Do you have paint left over from your last project? Small amounts of oil-based paint can be mixed with cat litter or newspaper in a black garbage bag for absorption, but latex-based paints must be taken to Special Waste Drop-Off Sites, where only five gallons or less are accepted.

Non-recyclable bulk items larger than 4×3 feet can be collected by appointment and must be placed on the curb after 4 PM the evening before scheduled pick-up. Any appliances containing CFCs or Freon, like refrigerators and air conditioners, require special appointments for coolant collection and come with their own special guidelines. Bulk items may not impede pedestrian traffic, extend in front of another property or into the street.

One-Step Waste Removal

When you’re in the thick of a big project, you just don’t have time to meticulously research all the regulations set forth by DSNY for disposal. This especially holds true if you’re dealing with items you must transport to a special drop-off location yourself without access to an appropriately-sized vehicle.

Our professional Jiffy Junk technicians provide quick, efficient and stress-free junk removal services with no hoops to jump through or sanitation laws to memorize. We’ll come to your home or place of business anywhere in the five boroughs, Suffolk or Nassau County, providing true white-glove service with a focus on ethical, environmentally-friendly disposal methods. One call, one appointment and no more garbage!

Call today: 844-543-3966.