Garbage Day Blues: A New Yorker's Guide to Not Getting Trashed
So, you've decided to join the rat race, er, I mean, the human race, in the concrete jungle that is New York City. Welcome to the Big Apple, where dreams are made, rents are astronomical, and garbage collection is a fine art (or so they say).
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| What Are The Rules For Garbage Collection In Nyc |
The Great Garbage Gamble
Let's talk trash. Or rather, let's talk about not talking trash, because if you do it wrong, you'll be having a one-way conversation with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and trust me, they're not known for their warm and fuzzy customer service.
Rule number one: Know your garbage day. This is crucial. Putting your trash out on the wrong day is like wearing white after Labor Day – a fashion faux pas that will get you judged by your neighbors.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
Rule number two: Bag it up. Your trash should be in sturdy, opaque black bags. No clear bags, no blue bags, and definitely no garbage bags with pictures of puppies. The DSNY has standards, people.
Rule number three: Bin it up. Okay, this one is new. Starting November 12, 2024, all residential buildings with 1-9 units must use a bin with a secure lid. It's like the DSNY is saying, "We're tired of your messy lives."
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Size Matters
Your trash can't be a behemoth. There are limits to this whole thing. Bins should be no larger than 55 gallons, and bags should weigh no more than 60 pounds. Imagine trying to lift a 60-pound bag of garbage. Now imagine doing it while wearing stilettos. That's the kind of strength training you get in New York.
Timing is Everything
You can't just chuck your garbage out whenever you feel like it. There are rules for that too. For bins, it's between 6 PM and midnight the night before collection. For bags, it's between 8 PM and midnight. So, set your alarm, people.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse...and Repeat
New York City is trying to be green (or at least less gray). So, recycle whenever possible. And remember, compost is a thing. But let's be honest, who has time for that? Just kidding (kind of).
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FAQ: Garbage Edition
How to know my garbage collection day? Check the DSNY website or call 311.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
How to dispose of large items? Schedule a bulky waste collection through 311.
How to deal with overflowing trash? Reduce the amount of trash you produce, or consider getting a larger bin.
How to avoid attracting pests? Securely tie your garbage bags and keep your bins clean.
How to survive garbage day without losing your mind? Invest in earplugs and sunglasses.
So there you have it, folks. The world of New York City garbage collection. It's glamorous, isn't it?
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