DSNY Launches New Bulk Pickup Service

Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia has announced the official launch of a new and innovative appointment system designed to help DSNY more efficiently collect large non-recyclable 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,” said Commissioner 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,” she added.

The new service is designed for items that are larger than four (4) feet by three (3) feet, such as sofas and bulky wooden furniture that can be lifted by two workers and be able to fit inside a Sanitation collection truck.

“We always encourage New Yorkers to donate furniture and other items that they no longer want but that potentially can be reused by others,” said Commissioner Garcia.  To find convenient donation centers and non-profit partners, visit nyc.gov/donate.  

This service does not apply to items that require special handling, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, TVs, computers, and other electronics. To learn how to properly recycle or dispose of those items, visit nyc.gov/dsny or call 311.

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 your scheduled recycling day.  

Some helpful tips:

• Do not block foot traffic or place items in the street or in front of another property.

• If you have more than six (6) large items for collection, schedule additional appointments.

• Place your large items curbside after 4 pm the night before your appointment.

• Mattresses/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.