New York Department of Sanitation launches bulk collection appointment system

The New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has launched a new appointment system designed to help it more efficiently collect large nonrecyclable bulky items such as sofas, mattresses and large wooden furniture.

New Yorkers can now arrange for timely bulk pickup appointments online at nyc.gov/bulk or by calling 311.

“We’ve heard New Yorkers’ concerns regarding how to place out large bulky items for collection around the city,” says Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia.  “Between July 2016 and June 2017, New Yorkers made nearly 90,000 calls to 311 to inquire about collection of large bulky items. Recognizing that we had implemented a hugely successful e-waste pickup program on Staten Island, we modeled our large bulky item collection service along the same principles.”

The new service is designed for items that are larger than 4 feet by 3 feet that can be lifted by two workers and be able to fit inside a sanitation collection truck.

The service does not apply to items that require special handling, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, TVs, computers and other electronics. Also, metal, glass and rigid plastic items, including bedframes, patio furniture and filing cabinets, should still be placed out for recycling collection after 4 p.m. the night before the scheduled recycling day. 

DSNY also offered some tips for bulk collection, including:

• do not block foot traffic or place items in the street or in front of another property;
• if there are more than six large items for collection, schedule additional appointments;
• place large items curbside after 4 p.m. the night before the appointment;
• mattresses and box springs should be placed in a plastic bag before setting out at curbside to prevent the spread of bed bugs and avoid a $100 fine.