All businesses in New York City are required to recycle certain materials and ensure to their best ability that those recyclable materials are properly handled by their private carter. Look inside for a description of the new recycling requirements and tips on how to comply. Please contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/business-recycling for more information.
What to Recycle
Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Beverage Cartons
- Metal Cans, Aluminum Foil
- Rigid Plastic
- Mixed Metal/ Plastic Objects
- Glass Jars and Bottles
- Beverage Cartons
Paper
- Receipts, Mail, Office Paper, Folders
- Cardboard
Garbage
- Plastic Film and Wrap, Plastic Bags
Unless your business is covered by NYS Plastic Bag and Film Wrap law - Foam Products
- Soiled or Coated Paper
- Food Scraps
Unless your business is covered by Commercial Organics law - Furniture
Textiles
If textiles make up more than 10% of your business’s waste during any month, you are required by law to separate and recycle all textile waste, including fabric scraps, clothing, belts, bags and shoes. You may be eligible for a free NYC textile recycling program; visit nyc.gov/refashion.
Yard or Plant Waste
If yard or plant waste makes up more than 10% of your business’s waste during any month, you are required by law to separate and recycle all yard and plant waste, including grass clippings, garden debris, leaves, and branches.This material must be set out separately from all other material. Learn More
Organics
Certain large, food-waste generating establishments are required by law to separate organic waste for beneficial use. Find out if you are covered at nyc.gov/commercial-organics. This material must be set out separately from all other material.
- Food scraps
- Plant trimmings
- Food-soiled paper
- Certified compostable products
How to Recycle
- Staff and/ or customer places material in the appropriate labeled container.
- Clear bags of metal, glass, plastic, and cartons are set out separately from clear bags of paper and bundles of cardboard. Garbage is set out independently from recyclables in black bags.
- The three streams are collected by two trucks. One truck will pick up the clear bags of metal, glass, plastic, and cartons together with the bundled cardboard and clear bags of paper. The second truck will pick up the trash.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time should my garbage and recycling go out?
- Our trucks begin their routes at 7 pm. Trash and recycling should be placed outside at that time to avoid the truck passing by beforehand. If your establishment closes before 7 pm, you may set your waste out one hour before your posted closing time.
- Do I need to post the BIC Decal / Sticker by the entrance of my establishment?
- Yes, posting the BIC Decal / Sticker is a requirement of DSNY. Businesses failing to comply can receive a fine from the Department of Sanitation.
- What do I do if my BIC Decal / Sticker is damaged or comes off my window?
- Contact a customer service representative and request a replacement.
- Do I have to recycle?
- Yes. Not only is it better for our environment, but all businesses and commercial establishments in NYC are required by law to recycle certain materials. The Department of Sanitation can issue a ticket to your business for failing to recycle correctly.
- What do I do if I have extra garbage, furniture, appliance, wood, or some other bulky item?
- Contact customer service to schedule the extra service. Additional charges may apply for the extra service.
- Can I reschedule my pick-up if it is affected by a holiday?
- Yes. If your usual schedule falls on a holiday, call customer service to reschedule. You may also place your accumulated waste out on your next regularly scheduled day.
- Can I temporarily suspend my service for vacations or renovations?
- Yes. Notify customer service of your extended closure before your vacation or renovation to temporarily pause your service and billing.
- Where do I store my container (dumpster)?
- Containers (dumpsters) must be removed from the sidewalk/street after it’s emptied—place containers inside or in the rear of the premises. The Department of Sanitation can issue fines for leaving the dumpster on the sidewalk/street.
- How will the Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) program affect my business?
- Read more here on our site.