Under the new rules, slated to go into effect on April 1, 2023, residential buildings would have up to three options, each of which would substantially decrease the amount of time trash is on the curb:

• Place trash out after 6:00 PM in a secure container,
• Place trash out after 8:00 PM if putting bags directly on the curb, or
• If a building has nine or more residential units, the property owner may opt in to a 4:00 – 7:00 AM set-out window instead. The opt-in period will run for the month of January each year, allowing DSNY to design quick and efficient routes that take effect April 1.
• Taken together, this means trash will sit on the curb for a fraction of the time it does currently. These rules would apply to recycling and curbside composting as well.

This announcement also includes new clarified rules for commercial establishments, which do not receive service from DSNY but rather from private waste haulers. Businesses may engage in one of the following options:

• Place trash out after 8:00 PM if putting bags directly on the curb or
• Place trash out one hour before closing in a secure container. In addition to these new proposed rules, DSNY is doing more of its collection on the midnight shift than pre-pandemic, further reducing the amount of time trash sits on the street. Overnight collection now accounts for approximately one quarter of all collection operations — roughly 5 million pounds per night.

If you have questions about this rule change, we strongly encourage you to sign onto a webinar with DSNY to learn more. Click one of the below options to register: 

• Wednesday, March 22, 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, March 22, 7:00 PM
• Thursday, March 23, 1:00 PM
• Friday, March 24, 12:00 PM
• Saturday, March 25, 10:00 AM
• Saturday, March 25, 12:00 PM
• Sunday, March 26, 10:00 AM
• Sunday, March 26, 12:00 PM

The proposed rules are subject to public comment under the City Administrative Procedure Act. The comment period will be open until November 10, and a public hearing on the proposed rules will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 9:30 AM. After considering these public comments, DSNY will publish final rules later this year. Public comments can be submitted by email, mail, or via the city’s website.