How to throw away luggage NYC

How do I dispose of my bulk and specialty garbage without getting a fine?

The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) provides curbside removal of up to six bulk items from your home, free of charge. Bulk items are considered things that are too big to be discarded in your garbage can, a container or bag, and must be garbage that results from non-commercial activity.

Regular bulk is described as large items that are neither not predominantly metal, such as mattresses, sofas, chairs, wood tables, and cabinets and may be discarded during regularly scheduled collection days. Metal and rigid plastic bulk items made from predominantly metal or rigid plastic, like metal furniture, a washer, dryer, small metal items, water heaters, plastic furniture, or large rigid plastic toys carry the same disposal guidelines as regular bulk, and are limited to six bulk items during regularly scheduled recycle pick up days.

When placing bulk items out for collection, make sure you do not place them in the street.  Furthermore, they should not extend in front of another property or impede pedestrian traffic. If you have a large amount of items, consider placing them out over several collection days.

For any non-recyclable items larger than 4 feet by 3 feet, you will need to schedule an appointment with the DSNY for a special pick up. Appointments may be scheduled up to four weeks in advance, and can be postponed or rescheduled by the DSNY during severe weather. You may set out your oversized waste at the curb after 4pm the night before your pick up appointment date. The DSNY will not enter your home or ring your bell.

Unlike regular or metal bulk, appliances have special disposal requirements, as they may require the recovery of refrigerant prior to discarding those items. When discarding freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, water coolers, or dehumidifiers you need to schedule a special appointment for pick up. Furthermore, when you are discarding appliances, law requires that doors be removed prior to disposal. Appointments for up to six appliances per collection day can be made by calling 311 or by visiting the DSNY website at www.nyc.gov/sanitation.

When discarding old carpets and rugs they must be free of all nails or staples, and securely tied in bales no more than 2 feet high and 4 feet long. If you are embarking on a small home project yourself, small amounts of non-commercial waste may be placed out for DSNY collection. Please note this is limited to a total of six bags, boxes, bundles, and/or cans of home repair debris.

Homeowners who are undertaking larger projects should contract for their own dumpster through a private rubbish removal service, or hire a professional to complete the work. It is important to know that dumpsters carry their own guidelines, as they require a permit if the dumpster cannot fit on the parking pad in front of your house. The fines associated with a non-permitted dumpster on the street in front of your home could be significant so it is important to make sure your permit is filed.

There are special disposal requirement for mattresses or box springs, as they must be fully enclosed within a sealed plastic bag prior to placing them out to the curb. Failure to properly enclose these items in a sealed bag may result in a $100 fine.  Yard waste, bundled wood, old lumber or fencing placed out for collection must be securely tied in bales of no more than 2 feet high and 4 feet long and should be placed out on regular collection days. Remove or flatten all nails and other sharp protruding items to prevent injury.

Bulk and construction debris generated from hired contractors or fee-for-service personnel is considered commercial waste. Your contractor must arrange to have the debris removed by private disposal or remove the debris from your premises himself. Failure to properly dispose of commercial debris can result in fines to the homeowner and should be discussed with your contractor prior to engaging in a contract.

If a homeowner needs to discard hazardous products like pesticides, strong cleaners, mercury-containing devices, paints, automotive fluids, and medications, they may be brought to city organized SAFE disposal events. These events are scheduled in each borough, approximately twice a year.

If you can't wait for the City's next SAFE event, residents may bring your batteries, motor oil, transmission fluid, fluorescent light bulbs, latex paint, passenger car tires, or mercury containing devices to a DSNY special waste drop off site, located in your borough. The sites are open from 10am to 5pm every Saturday and the last Friday of the month. You will be required to show a valid NYS driver's license and vehicle registration upon arrival.

Similar to hazardous waste, electronics like TVs, computer parts, VCR/DVR/DVD players, laptops, cable boxes, MP3 players, and cell phones cannot be discarded with your household garbage, bulk or recyclables. These too should be brought to a City special waste disposal site.

Please note that you cannot bring bulk items to the City's special waste disposal sites.

When considering disposing of large bulk items, it may be easier to donate them. Even if you no longer have use for them items, they may be valuable to someone else. Donations can be tax deductible, and may be picked up by the organization that you are donating towards.

If the task is too large for you to handle, consider hiring a clean out company.  They will be able to remove all the unwanted items from your home safely, and in compliance with all City regulations.  They will be able to coordinate manpower, a dumpster, if required, and the equipment necessary to properly clean out your house.

Dave Reali, Owner - Dave's Kleen-outs

917-588-4282           

All our experts are licensed, bonded and insured members of the Staten Island Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (The Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island).  Homeowners should always consult with licensed professionals, check a contractor's license through the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (call 311 for information) and ensure that their project complies with NYC DOB regulations before embarking on any home improvement project.

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