Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Valley Stream
New York municipal refuse is collected weekly on designated neighborhood days. Recycling is often collected on specific days depending on the borough or county.
State Mandate
Strictly separate e-waste. Electronics are banned from regular trash.
Any standard color (Resident-provided) Bin (Trash)
Use containers max 32-gallons in size. Max weight is 50 lbs per container/bag. Limit of 250 lbs per week. Place out after 7 PM the night before collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Paper wrappers
- ✓Rags
- ✓Other standard burnable household refuse
Village-provided recycling container Bin (Recycling)
Glass, plastics, and metals must be rinsed clean with caps removed. Paper and cardboard must be broken down and tied in bundles not exceeding 35 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers (#1 and #2)
- ✓Aluminum and metal cans
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and paper (tied/bundled separately)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Plastic utensils and toys
- ✕Mirrors and window glass
- ✕Ceramics and china
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Branches must be cut, tied, and bundled (max 4 feet long, max 75 lbs). Leaves and grass must be in appropriate containers or yard waste bags. Do not rake leaves into the street.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Hedge and bush trimmings
- ✓Small branches and twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once per week on designated 'Non-Burnable Collection' day
Placement
Place items at the curb after 7:00 PM the night before your non-burnable collection. Wood and rugs must be cut, tied, and bundled, not exceeding 4 feet in length or 75 pounds.
Accepted
- ✓ Tires (rims removed)
- ✓ Bicycles
- ✓ Lawn furniture
- ✓ Empty, dried-out paint cans
- ✓ Small metal items
- ✓ Rugs and padding (cut to 4 ft, tied)
- ✓ Wood with nails removed (cut to 4 ft, tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and chemicals
- ✕ Wet oil-based paint
- ✕ Medical waste
- ✕ Large quantities of construction dirt or concrete
- ✕ Freon-containing appliances (requires special handling)
Standard bulk collection is included in village services. However, excessive construction debris or unauthorized commercial waste may require private disposal.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Garbage collections are suspended on major holidays. Service is typically shifted to the next regular business day or handled as specified in the yearly Village Sanitation Schedule.
Yard Waste Exception
During holiday weeks, yard waste and non-burnable collections may be suspended or pushed back to accommodate the shifted garbage schedule.
Residents should consult the annual mailing from the Valley Stream Department of Public Works for exact alternate pickup dates during holiday weeks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring the heavy autumn leaf drop, keep leaves out of the street to prevent flooding in local storm drains. All leaves must be bagged or placed in open containers for your scheduled weekly yard waste collection.
Spring
April to JuneSpring cleaning often uncovers hidden hazardous waste. Keep an eye out for the Town of Hempstead S.T.O.P. events (frequently held at Valley Stream State Park) to safely dispose of old oil-based paints, pesticides, and pool chemicals.
Local Tips & Community Info
Valley Stream Sanitation Collection Schedule
Maintaining a pristine neighborhood is a shared responsibility, and the Village of Valley Stream Public Works Department makes it simple with a reliable garbage pickup routine. Households are assigned a twice-weekly refuse collection schedule, generally falling on either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. To ensure your household waste is picked up without a hitch, all items should be placed neatly at the curb. Adhering to your specific route days prevents unwanted street clutter and keeps Nassau County looking its best.
Weekly Recycling Guidelines for Residents
Sustainability is a top priority for Valley Stream. The village observes a strict recycling protocol every Wednesday across all residential zones. You are expected to separate your recyclable materials—such as clean plastics, glass bottles, and metal cans—from your standard household trash. Cardboard and paper products must be bundled securely or placed in designated recycling bins. Never include items like plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-soiled pizza boxes in your recycling, as these contaminate the load and can lead to uncollected bins.
Yard Waste Rules and Seasonal Collection
Keeping your lawn maintained produces grass clippings, branches, and leaves, all of which require proper disposal. Valley Stream provides designated yard waste pickups to help homeowners manage seasonal landscaping debris. Brush and branches must be tied into manageable bundles no longer than four feet. During the autumn months, the village typically announces specialized leaf collection periods. It is strictly prohibited to mix yard trimmings with your regular household garbage, as organic waste must be diverted to specific composting facilities.
Bulk Item Disposal and Special Pickups
When it comes time to discard large furniture, mattresses, or old appliances, residents cannot simply leave them out on regular trash days. Valley Stream requires homeowners to adhere to specific bulk waste regulations. Large items are generally collected on your second garbage day of the week, but it is highly recommended to contact the sanitation department beforehand to confirm. Appliances like refrigerators must have their doors completely removed for safety reasons before being placed outside.
Proper Container Usage and Placement
Following the village's receptacle rules is mandatory for a smooth sanitation process. Garbage must be bagged securely and placed inside sturdy plastic or metal cans with tight-fitting lids to keep rodents and stray animals at bay. Containers should never exceed a 40-pound weight limit, protecting the safety of the sanitation workers. Bins must be positioned at the curbstrap by 7:00 AM on your collection morning, but they should not be placed out before 5:00 PM the evening prior.
Holiday Adjustments to Garbage Service
Major national holidays will briefly interrupt standard village sanitation routes. Whenever a recognized holiday such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Memorial Day occurs, trash and recycling pickups are suspended for that day. Consequently, collections for the remainder of the week are usually pushed back by one day. The Village of Valley Stream routinely publishes an updated holiday sanitation calendar on its official website, ensuring residents stay informed of any scheduling shifts.
Drop-off Facilities
Town of Hempstead Homeowner Disposal Area
1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put out my garbage in Valley Stream?
You should place your securely covered garbage cans at the curb no later than 7:00 AM on your scheduled collection day, but no earlier than 5:00 PM the night before.
How do I dispose of hazardous household waste like paint?
Valley Stream sanitation crews do not collect hazardous materials. You must take items like oil-based paint, pesticides, and motor oil to Town of Hempstead S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) drop-off events.
What should I do if my trash pickup was missed?
If your containers were placed out on time but were not serviced, contact the Valley Stream Sanitation Department directly during business hours to report the issue and arrange a prompt recovery pickup.