Garbage and Recycling Collection for Professionals - Professional Fee Program

The New York City (NYC) Department of Sanitation has a program. It helps licensed professionals like doctors, accountants and lawyers. This program is for garbage and recycling collection for those working in a residential building.

Program coverage:

• General trash
• Recycling

This program does not include medical, lab or surgical waste. If your business generates medical waste, you must hire a private company for collection and disposal.

• You must work in part of a home or a mostly residential building.

• You need the right licenses and permits. Your business should be in the basement or on the first or second floor.

• Make sure joining the Professional Fee Program does not conflict with any contracts you have with private haulers.

• List of Permit Fees
  Annual fees depend on the number of 20-gallon bags you put out each week:

  • Up to 5 bags = $329.89 per year
  • 6-10 bags = $612.97 per year
  • 11-15 bags = $896.04 per year
  • 16-20 bags = $1,179.12 per year

• List of Accepted Payment Methods

  • Certified check (payable to the Department of Sanitation)
  • Money order (payable to the Department of Sanitation)

• Only put out solid waste and recyclables for collection.
• Separate recyclables before collection.
• Place waste properly: avoid health hazards or emergencies. Make sure waste does not block anything and is in the right containers.
• Do not put out medical, lab or surgical waste for collection by the Department of Sanitation.

Application Process

• If your application is denied, you can reapply.
• Common reasons for denial: businesses in non-eligible professions or locations.
• Check the Selection Criteria before applying.

• Fill out a Professional Fee Program application.
• Mail the completed form and a check or money order to the Fiscal Services Department of Sanitation.
• The Department of Sanitation will review your application. If approved, they will send you an enrollment certificate. You must display this certificate at your service location. If you do not meet the program criteria, the Collection Office will notify you. You will then need to hire a private carter for waste removal.