Waste Removal and Recycling

Every commercial business in New York City is required to dispose of its waste, including recyclable materials, through a private carter. All businesses are required to recycle paper, corrugated cardboard, magazines, catalogs, newspapers and textiles (if textiles are over 10% of a business’ waste). Restaurants and other food service establishments must also recycle metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and jars, aluminum foil products and corrugated cardboard.

BIC sets maximum rates that private carters can charge for waste removal services. Although the customer cannot be charged above the maximum rate, the customer and carter can negotiate a rate below the maximum rate. The maximum rates apply to putrescible or regular waste and recyclables, but not to the removal of medical waste or construction and demolition debris.

A business using a private carter must prominently display a sticker (provided by the carter free of charge) identifying the carter’s name and the days and times of pick up. For more information on private carter collection and / or information about locating a private carter, contact the Business Integrity Commission using the contact information below.

Businesses are required to post signs notifying employees, and customers where relevant, about what and how to recycle and must place labeled recycling containers where waste is routinely discarded. For more detailed requirements related to recycling and keeping the sidewalks clean, please consult the Department of Sanitation’s Digest of Codes, linked below.

If a business does not want to hire private carter services and wishes to remove its own waste and dispose of it at private transfer stations, it must apply for a Self-Hauler Registration.