New York City’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) mandates rules for the disposal of yard waste to ensure it is properly composted and diverted from landfills. This organic material includes leaves, grass clippings, small branches, brush, and other plant matter generated from residential properties. Following DSNY guidelines is necessary for compliance, as improper set-out can lead to fines and missed collections.
Preparing Yard Waste for Curbside Collection
Yard waste must be prepared correctly to be accepted for DSNY’s Curbside Composting program. Acceptable containers include a DSNY-issued brown organics bin or any rigid container up to 55 gallons that is clearly labeled for yard waste. These bins must have secure lids to prevent spillage and deter pests.
For material exceeding the bin’s capacity, residents must use clear plastic bags or paper lawn and leaf bags. Black trash bags are prohibited because collection crews must visually verify the contents are compostable material. All containers and bags should not exceed 60 pounds to be manageable for collection staff.
Twigs and small branches must be bundled securely using natural twine or rope, not nylon strapping, wire, or plastic tape. These bundles must be no larger than two feet by four feet.
Seasonal Collection Schedules and Rules
Curbside collection of yard waste is integrated into the year-round composting service, with specific days designated based on the building’s address. Residents can find their set-out days by checking the DSNY website or using the city’s online schedule lookup tool.
All materials must be set out at the curb at specific times to meet collection regulations. Waste placed in secure bins with tight-fitting lids must be set out no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before the scheduled collection day. If using bags directly on the curb, the set-out time is no earlier than 8:00 PM the night before. Regardless of the set-out method, all yard waste must be placed at the curb before midnight.
Special seasonal rules apply to certain items, such as Christmas trees, which are collected separately in January for composting. These holiday trees must be completely free of all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and plastic bags before being placed at the curb.
Disposal of Large Branches and Tree Debris
Yard debris that exceeds the size or weight constraints for standard curbside composting requires specific handling. Any securely bundled wood debris must not weigh over 40 pounds and must meet the two-foot by four-foot size maximum. Materials that cannot be bundled, such as tree stumps or large limbs, are considered bulk waste.
In Brooklyn and Queens, residents face additional regulations regarding wood debris larger than a half-inch in diameter due to the quarantine for the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle. Residents in these areas must call 311 or schedule an appointment with NYC Parks for the disposal of such wood to prevent the spread of the pest.
If a professional landscaper or tree service removes a tree, they are responsible for the debris disposal, not the homeowner or DSNY. Waste generated by commercial contractors cannot be set out for residential curbside collection. Homeowners should ensure their contractor includes the cost of proper disposal at a permitted facility in their service agreement.
Alternative Composting Options in NYC
New York City provides several options to divert organic material from the waste stream for residents seeking alternatives to curbside pickup. Community composting drop-off sites are available throughout the five boroughs, often located at farmers markets or in partnership with local organizations. These sites typically accept food scraps and plant waste, though items like meat and dairy are usually excluded.
The city also operates Smart Composting Bins, which are locked, centralized drop-off points accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a smartphone app. These bins accept a wider range of compostable material, including all food scraps, food-soiled paper, and plant waste. The material collected from these programs is processed locally to create compost for city parks and green spaces.
For homeowners, home composting offers a direct method for processing yard waste and food scraps into a soil-enriching product. Yard waste like leaves and grass clippings are excellent “brown” materials for a backyard compost pile, helping to balance the nitrogen-rich “green” food scraps.