Trash Set-Out Times to Start at 6pm on Shabbos

By Yehudit Garmaise

Starting Shabbos, April 1, 6pm is the earliest time at which all NYC residents and businesses can set out their garbage containers, announced Stephen Caruso, DSNY’s citywide community affairs officer, who spoke last night at Community Board 12’s monthly board meeting.

“4pm is earliest set-out time of any major city,” said Caruso about the late afternoon set-out time that many have blamed for the long hours New Yorkers’ garbage spends outside on the streets, creating unpleasant smells and what Mayor Eric Adams laments provides “a buffet for the rats.”

The 6pm time applies to trash that is stowed in containers of 55 gallons or less “with nice, tight-fitting lids, while trash that remains in bags-only should not be put out until 8pm.

Business owners who wish to put out their trash at their curbs one hour before their businesses close as long as trash remains bagged and in lidded containers.

The DSNY’s new set-out times apply not just to residents’ trash, but to recycling and compost, as well.

Because the DSNY’s later set-out times might take some getting used to, the agency is allowing for a 30-day grace period that will result in no enforcement for New Yorkers who forget and put their garbage out too early.

“We will be issuing warnings during that 30-days,” said Caruso, who added another option for residents of buildings with nine or more residential units can sign up for set-out times between 4am and 7am.

While the early collection times for buildings that house nine or more residential units are now closed for 2024, residents who are “morning people,” can apply again in January.

The new rule is causing concern among Shomrei Shabbos Yidden who could potentially be fined for placing their trash at the curb before the onset of Shabbos during the winter months.