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Brooklyn Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)

Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 6 items per collection. Free curbside removal of up to 6 large items per collection day on trash-only days; no appointment needed

Brooklyn bulk pickup rules

Bulk waste limits and booking rules for Brooklyn
Collection ruleFree curbside removal of up to 6 large items per collection day on trash-only days; no appointment needed
Limit per pickup6 items
Permitted materialsNo unconditional accepted-material list is verified. Confirm eligibility before putting items out.
Advance noticeNot required under the listed rules.
Dispatch phone(212) 639-9675

Mattress bagging rule: Mattresses must be bagged under the listed rules. Confirm the required plastic encasement before pickup.

Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials

How to throw away a mattress in Brooklyn

Follow the listed bulk rule: Free curbside removal of up to 6 large items per collection day on trash-only days; no appointment needed

Special disposal mandates

Plastic mattress encasement: Mattress bagging is required under the listed rules. Confirm the required plastic bag or encasement and sealing instructions with dispatch before collection. Read mattress bagging laws →

Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: Not required under the listed rules. Appliances containing Freon (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers) require scheduling free CFC removal by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/dsny before placing curbside.

Brooklyn Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules

Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in Brooklyn.

The Legal Rule

Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership

Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.

Homeowner Etiquette

Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign

If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.

Brooklyn Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations

When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Kings County.

Brooklyn Special Waste Drop-Off Sitedisposal area

📍 459 N Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Greenpoint special waste and safe disposal facility for harmful materials, automotive fluids, and electronics.

1. Mandatory Tarp Rule

All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.

2. Minimum Scale Charge

Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.

3. Proof of Residency

To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.

Planning a Large Home Cleanout or Remodel?

If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.

Local disposal alternatives in Kings County

For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.

The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.

DPW & sanitation contact

New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) · municipal dpw

Phone: (212) 639-9675

125 Worth St
New York, NY 10013
Visit Official Brooklyn Sanitation Portal Official municipality portal at nyc.gov

These collection rules cover Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon-Sat by Street Address).

Trash & recycling questions

What days is trash collected in Brooklyn, NY?

Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out after 6:00 p.m. in bins (or 8:00 p.m. in bags). These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon-Sat by Street Address).

Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Brooklyn?

As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon-Sat by Street Address).

How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Brooklyn?

Free curbside removal of up to 6 large items per collection day on trash-only days; no appointment needed The listed limit is 6 items per pickup. Advance notice is not required under the listed rules. Contact sanitation at (212) 639-9675 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon-Sat by Street Address).

What items are accepted for recycling in Brooklyn?

The listed accepted materials are Metal, glass, plastic bottles, jugs, containers, and food and beverage cartons (Blue decal/bin), Mixed paper: Newspaper, magazines, catalogs, mail, and office paper (Green decal/bin), Cardboard boxes (flattened and tied securely with twine). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags, plastic wrap, or film (unless clear bags used for containerless set-out), Foam or styrofoam cups, food containers, and packing peanuts, Batteries, electronics, cords, and hazardous chemicals, Food scraps and yard waste (place in brown curbside composting bins). Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon-Sat by Street Address).