Get Brooklyn Trash, Recycling and Composting Right

Brooklyn collection planning begins with the DSNY address lookup, not a neighborhood-wide schedule. Trash and recycling days vary by address; curbside compost is collected weekly on the recycling day. Confirm the current schedule and collection status before setting material out, especially around holidays or severe weather.

Sort by material before choosing the container

DSNY says curbside compost includes food scraps, food-soiled paper and leaf or yard waste. Meat, bones, shells and dairy are accepted. Trash, pet waste, medical waste, diapers, foam, hygiene products, metal, glass, plastic, cartons and clean paper do not belong in compost.

Use a labeled bin of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or a DSNY brown bin, for compost. Extra leaf and yard waste may follow DSNY's separate bag or bundle instructions. Recycling categories and preparation rules should be checked on the agency's current pages; do not rely on a building-room poster with no date.

Large buildings need a system residents can actually follow. DSNY states that owners and managers of buildings with four or more units must provide a designated storage area with clearly labeled compost bins. Residents should ask management where the area is and how access works rather than leaving material beside an unknown container.

Look up setout time and exceptions

Use the exact address to retrieve days and current status. Collection may be suspended or delayed for a holiday or snowstorm, so a normal calendar does not settle the question. Setout and retrieval rules can depend on container use and building enrollment; read the current result for the property.

If a collection appears missed, first confirm that the material was out by the applicable deadline, correctly prepared and not subject to a suspension. Then use the linked 311 service for the appropriate report. Keep the service-request number and avoid resubmitting identical reports before the stated response window.

Special waste, batteries, electronics, appliances with refrigerants, sharps and bulk items have separate instructions. Search the item in DSNY's official disposal tool instead of putting an uncertain object into ordinary trash or recycling. Never place loose sharps at the curb.

This article was verified September 26, 2026. It covers residential service at a boroughwide level; commercial and institutional rules differ. Schedules, container requirements, holiday changes, enforcement and drop-off options remain time-sensitive. Check DSNY and NYC311 for the exact address and material before setout.