New York City trash & bulky-item rules

NYC residents can set out up to six large items per collection day. For ordinary large items, pickup appointments are no longer offered and cannot be scheduled.

Mostly metal or rigid-plastic large items go out with recycling. Other non-recyclable large items go out with trash on the property's trash-only day. Bulk items can generally be placed out during the City's current evening set-out window.

Couches, bed frames, desks, dressers, tables and similar household furniture follow the ordinary large-item system. DSNY recommends disassembling large pieces when practical and securely bundling smaller components.

Mattresses and box springs have an additional rule: they must be completely enclosed in a securely sealed plastic bag before being set out with trash. Improperly prepared mattresses can be refused and may lead to a fine.

Cooling appliances are different because DSNY must remove refrigerant before recycling. Residents must make a free CFC/Freon removal appointment for refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water/wine coolers and other qualifying appliances.

The current DSNY limit is up to 10 appliances per appointment. Remove hinges and locks from refrigerators/freezers, place the appliance with its back facing the street the evening before the appointment, and leave the tagged appliance for pickup on the next recycling day.

Some newer appliances contain flammable R600a or R32 refrigerant. DSNY does not collect those through the normal CFC program; residents must use the manufacturer or a private qualified disposal route.

New York State law bans many electronics from ordinary trash and recycling. Residents can use DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off sites, SAFE Disposal Events, retailer/manufacturer take-back programs, community events and ecycleNYC for eligible larger apartment buildings.

NYC has one permanent Special Waste Drop-Off site in each borough. These sites handle materials including batteries, electronics, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, paint, tires and mercury-containing devices. Current tire guidance allows up to four passenger-car tires per visit.

Residents doing small DIY projects without professional help can use the residential system for qualifying material. Large DIY items such as cabinets, drywall, siding, sinks, toilets and tubs follow the large-item rules, including the six-item collection-day limit.

Material generated by a hired contractor is different: professional construction and renovation debris cannot be discarded as normal residential waste and requires a private approved waste hauler or other proper construction-waste route.

For New York City, start with the local authority links below. Recheck them before a special trip or unusual set-out because programs, prices and facility hours can change.

• Large ItemsCurrent six-item limit and explicit statement that ordinary pickup appointments are no longer offered.
• CFC RemovalRequired refrigerant appointment, up-to-10-appliance limit, set-out steps and R600a/R32 exception.
• AppliancesGeneral appliance routing and CFC exceptions.
• Construction DebrisDIY residential allowance vs. contractor-generated debris.
• NYC311 CFC GuidanceCurrent CFC appointment details and 10-item limit.