Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Albany
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood. To confirm your assigned day, contact the Department of General Services at (518) 434-2489. Pickup runs as normal on all holidays.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on your regular trash collection day using single-stream blue bins.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected on your regular trash collection day from mid-April through December 1st (or until the first snowfall).
Set Out Time
Between 4:30 PM and 12:00 AM midnight the evening prior to your collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
The curbside waste collection fee for 1–4 unit residential dwellings is billed annually as a line item on your January City of Albany property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Annually (Included in Property Taxes)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person, Escrow
Pro Tip / Discount
Exemption applications are available through the Treasurer's Office for qualifying exempt properties.
Standard metal or plastic container (max 50 gallons) or heavy-duty plastic bags Bin (Trash)
Maximum volume of 50 gallons and fitted with a lid. The total amount placed out must be manageable by one person and take no more than 4 trips to the truck. Set out between 4:30 p.m. the day before and 12:01 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Wrappers and non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Broken glass (wrapped and secured)
Blue or Green Bin Bin (Recycling)
Single-stream collection. Place items loosely inside the provided recycling bin. Do not bag recyclables in plastic. Must be out by 12:01 a.m. on your designated day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass containers (clean and rinsed)
- ✓Metal and aluminum cans
- ✓Plastics #1-7
- ✓Newspapers and magazines
- ✓Flattened cardboard (max 3' x 2')
Do NOT Include
- ✕Broken glass
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Ceramics
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in biodegradable paper bags. Branches must be bundled with non-synthetic twine, no longer than 4 ft 4 inches. No plastic bags, dirt, or stones.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Branches
- ✓Brush
- ✓Christmas trees (seasonal)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On regular collection day, with 24-hour prior notice
Placement
Place alongside regular trash between 4:30 p.m. the day before and 12:01 a.m. on collection day. Mattresses must be wrapped in heavy-duty plastic or hypoallergenic covers.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and chairs
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Porcelain tubs and toilets
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers (doors must be removed)
- ✓ Tires
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paint
- ✕ Electronics and TVs
- ✕ Commercial construction debris
- ✕ Excessive piles requiring more than 4 trips to the truck
Bulk collection is included for residential properties with 4 or fewer units, provided quantities are not deemed excessive.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
In Albany, all holidays will have normal scheduled trash and recycling pickup. Your collection day does not shift, so place your bins out as usual.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste also continues on regular schedules during holidays, provided it is properly bagged or bundled.
Trash must still adhere to the strict 4:30 PM to 12:01 AM set-out window, even on holidays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring-Fall
April - DecemberYard waste collection generally runs from mid-April through December 1st (or the first snowfall). Ensure all grass and leaves are in biodegradable paper bags and placed alongside your regular trash.
Fall
October - NovemberWhen cleaning up autumn leaves, do not rake them into the street. They must be bagged in paper yard waste bags to avoid straining street sweepers and contributing to landfill methane.
Winter
JanuaryChristmas trees can be placed curbside for seasonal pickup. Remove all decorations, lights, tinsel, and stands. Do not place the tree inside a plastic disposal bag.
Local Tips & Community Info
Albany Residential Waste Collection Basics
Properties with four units or fewer in the City of Albany are eligible for municipal garbage collection provided by the Department of General Services (DGS). All household refuse must be securely contained either in heavy-duty plastic bags or within a metal or plastic garbage can. If you choose to use a can, it must feature a tight-fitting lid and cannot exceed a 50-gallon capacity. Placing an excessive amount of waste that takes crews more than four trips to clear is strictly prohibited and can result in significant fines up to $625.
Strict Guidelines for Curbside Placement
Timing is heavily enforced by city code to keep neighborhoods looking tidy. You are not allowed to store your trash cans in public view during the week. When your collection day approaches, bins and bags must be placed at the curb no earlier than 7:00 p.m. (or dusk, whichever arrives first) on the night before your scheduled pickup. All items must be fully set out before midnight to guarantee morning collection.
Arranging Pickups for Bulk Furniture and Appliances
Getting rid of a large sofa, toilet, or broken washing machine requires a bit of advanced planning. Albany offers bulk pickup, but residents must call 434-CITY (2489) at least 24 hours in advance to notify crews. Mattresses and box springs face special health regulations; they must be completely wrapped in a heavy-duty plastic bag or a 0.8mm thick hypoallergenic cover before going outside. For large white goods like refrigerators, New York State law demands that all doors be completely removed to prevent accidental entrapment.
Recycling Simplified and Yard Debris
Albany utilizes a single-stream recycling method, meaning paper, plastics, and glass can all go into the same bin without sorting. If you need a new recycling container, you can contact DGS during standard weekday hours. When tending to your lawn, note that it is illegal to sweep or rake yard clippings and leaves directly into the street. All green waste must be properly bundled or bagged according to the seasonal DGS guidelines. Hazardous materials, such as leftover paint or motor oil, require pre-registration for specialized drop-off events.
Drop-off Facilities
Department of General Services Permanent Electronics Drop-off
1 Richard J. Conners Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
Materials Accepted
City of Albany Yard Waste Composting Facility
1 Richard J. Conners Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum size for a garbage can in Albany, NY?
Residents must use metal or plastic trash containers that do not exceed a 50-gallon capacity, and each must be fitted with a secure lid.
How do I throw away a mattress in the City of Albany?
You must call 434-CITY at least 24 hours before your collection day. The mattress or box spring must be fully wrapped in heavy-duty plastic or a 0.8mm thick cover.
When can I put my garbage on the curb for morning pickup?
Trash and recycling should be placed at the curb after 7:00 p.m. or dusk (whichever occurs first) on the evening before your collection day, but no later than midnight.