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Sanitation & Recycling Rules
Sanitation Collection Rules
The City has provided this information to all property owners to improve the cleanliness and appearance of the City.
Landlords are urged to furnish information to all new tenants. Property owners are responsible for their properties and the actions of their tenants. The City vigorously enforces all sanitation ordinances and violations.
Violators will be cited in accordance with the ordinances. Fines range from $25 to $2,500. For disposal drop-off fees check the Transfer Station Fee Schedule.
Covered Cans, Plastic Bags
- Garbage must be placed in plastic bags and the bags must be placed inside metal or plastic, watertight containers with lids.
- Garbage cans are limited in size to 32 gallons. The can and contents cannot weigh more than 75 pounds.
Setting Out & Returning Containers
- Cans, bins, or materials are to be placed curbside no earlier than 5 pm on the night before scheduled pickup.
- After pickup, cans and bins are to be returned to the rear of the residence no later than 6 am the morning after refuse is collected.
- Property owners who do not abide by these rules are subject to a violation notice and fine.
Holidays
View the Sanitation Holiday Schedule.
City Waste Receptacles
Waste cans placed on City streets, in a right-of-way or in parks cannot be used for disposal of residential, business, or commercial trash. The intended purpose of these cans is to reduce littering.
Commercial Property
There is no City trash collection for commercial properties. Commercial and business waste must be collected by a private hauler or can be taken to the City Transfer Station and disposed of for a fee. Trash collection services are only for residential properties of three units or less.
Qualified Carters
The Commissioner of Public Works maintains a list of qualified carters licensed by the Dutchess County Department of Solid Waste Management. Carters are considered qualified carters for purposes of compliance with the requirements of Local Law 1 of 2011.
Dumpster Rules
Download a Dumpster Permit Application (PDF).
A dumpster permit is required for all dumpsters placed either on City property within the City of Poughkeepsie or on the City right-of-way within the City of Poughkeepsie. To receive a permit, fill out the form above and apply in person at the Department of Public Works.
Placement
- Dumpster must be at least 10 feet away from a fire hydrant.
- Dumpster may not block access to visible shut-off valves in street.
- Dumpster may not block vehicle traffic.
Please Be Aware
- Warning reflective signs, cones, tape must be placed on or near the dumpster.
- No debris or trash may be left on area around the dumpster.
- Permittee is responsible for reimbursing the City for any damage caused by the dumpster to City property including pavement, curbs, sidewalk, trees and grass area.
- Permittee will protect the City against any claims for public liability or property damage arising out of, or because of, the placing of the dumpster.
Recycling Rules
Remember the 3 R's:
- Recycle
- Reduce
- Reuse
The City is committed to environmental justice, recycling and energy conservation are important elements of this commitment. Recycling is no longer cost-free to the City as it once was. Recycling costs have grown steadily over recent years. Today it costs more to handle our recycling than it does to dispose of trash. The City incurs costs of approximately $91.40 per ton for garbage, and $50.18 per ton for recycling.
The City continues to look for efficiencies within its Sanitation Division. For drop-off fees, check the Transfer Station Fee Schedule.
Containers
- Blue recycling bin
- Labeled plastic tote container
- Labeled trash can (no refuse in can)
Replacing Bins
To replace your broken City-issued blue recycle bin, please use a clean trash receptacle that is 32 gallons or under. You may mark the can with the letter "R" or paste a sign stating "Recyclables" on it. This container must be used for recyclables only and no other trash or debris may be placed in it.
Allowable Items
- Corrugated cardboard and flat cardboard including cereal boxes, gift boxes, etc.
- Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and loose paper (including junk mail) may be placed in paper bags or bundled with string; do not place in plastic bags
- Plastic: numbers 1 through 7
- Glass bottles and jars
- Milk and other beverage cartons
- Metal and aluminum cans
- Foil and foil pans
Please remember to rinse all food containers!
Setting Out & Returning Containers
- Cans, bins, or materials are to be placed curbside no earlier than 5 pm on the night before scheduled pickup
- After pickup, cans and bins are to be returned to the rear of the residence no later than 6 am the morning after refuse is collected