If you’ve finally come to cleaning out your home, you’ve probably got piles of stuff that you don’t know what to do with. Tossing out everything to the curb is definitely not an option in the Big Apple. New York City has specific laws in place regarding what can and can’t go in the trash. Breaking these rules can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines.
Whether you’re handling disposal yourself or hiring professional junk removal services, knowing what’s actually allowed will save you money, hassle, and potential legal problems.
Items That Are Absolutely Banned
Some things are flat-out illegal to put in regular trash in New York City. These bans exist for environmental, safety, and public health reasons.
Here’s what’s included in the no-go area:
1. Electronics (E-Waste)
Computers, monitors, TVs, printers, keyboards, mice, cables, cell phones, tablets, and pretty much anything with a circuit board cannot go in regular trash. The state E-Waste law makes it illegal to dispose of these items in landfills because they contain toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
2. Batteries
Batteries of all sorts are banned. This includes rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium batteries, and even regular AA and AAA batteries. These contain heavy metals and chemicals that contaminate soil and water when they end up in landfills.
3. Hazardous Household Materials
Hazardous materials can’t go in regular trash under any circumstances. This category includes paint (latex and oil-based), motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, cleaning products with toxic warnings, propane tanks, and anything labeled flammable, corrosive, or toxic.
4. Medical Waste
This is probably obvious, but all medical waste, including needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp medical items, requires special disposal through sharps collection programs.
5. Fluorescent Light Bulbs
If you thought you could change out your light bulbs and toss the old ones in the bin, you thought wrong. Fluorescent light bulbs and CFLs contain mercury and need specialized recycling. LED bulbs are fine in regular trash, but anything containing mercury gas needs proper disposal.
Items That Need Special Handling
Beyond the bans, many items require specific disposal methods even though they’re not technically prohibited from being thrown in the trash.
1. Large Appliances
Refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers, washers, and dryers can be set out for curbside pickup, but there are rules. You can set out up to 6 items at the curb per collection day, and refrigeration units need Freon removed by a licensed technician before disposal.
It’s also worth noting that as of November 12, 2024, all properties with 1-9 residential units must place trash in bins of 55 gallons or less with secure lids.
2. Furniture
Mattresses and box springs need to be sealed in plastic bags before curbside disposal. Other furniture, like couches, tables, and chairs, can go curbside as bulk items, but again, only up to 6 items per collection day.
3. Construction Debris
Construction debris from renovations can’t go in regular trash at all. Drywall, lumber, tiles, fixtures, and other building materials need to be handled through private carting services. Even small DIY projects generate waste that requires separate disposal.
Also Read: Construction Debris Removal: Keep Your Job Site Clean
What Can Go in Regular Trash?
Understanding what you can throw away helps clarify what you can’t. Regular household trash includes food waste, non-recyclable packaging, certain plastics, diapers and personal hygiene products, and broken household items.
But even with regular trash, you need to use proper bins. The cheapest high-quality bin that meets requirements is the official NYC Bin, available with potential rebates for qualified homeowners.
What You Need to Recycle
NYC mandates recycling for many items. Failing to recycle when required can result in fines.
- Paper and cardboard must be recycled, not trashed. This includes newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard boxes (flattened), paper bags, and phone books.
- Metal, glass, and plastic containers need recycling. This includes aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastic bottles and containers with recycling symbols 1-7.
- Organic waste is now part of mandatory composting programs in many areas. Leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper should be set out in labeled bins (55 gallons or less) with secure lids or in DSNY brown compost bins.
When Should You Hire Professional Junk Removal Services
If you’re like most homeowners, all these rules and regulations probably have you in a frenzy. While you can deal with everyday household waste on your own, what do you do with all the junk that’s emerging from all corners of your home?
Here’s why junk removal services might be your knight in shining armor:
- They know the rules. Professional services understand what can go where, what needs special handling, and how to dispose of items legally.
- They handle the documentation. For businesses, especially, having records of proper disposal can be important for compliance and liability protection.
- They’re efficient. Instead of making multiple trips to different disposal locations, professionals handle everything in one visit.
- They separate properly. Good junk removal services sort items into appropriate categories: recyclables, donations, special waste, and actual trash, making sure everything goes where it’s supposed to.
When you need someone to help you out in sorting all your junk, Delta Demolition is who you call. We go way beyond just hauling away your unwanted items. Our team understands NYC’s disposal regulations and makes sure everything is handled legally and responsibly.
Reach out to us today and dispose of all your worries with us!
