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The local rules
Follow the conditions that match your item and collection service. Open any rule for the full instructions and sources.
Curbside recyclingReviewed ruleApplies when: What did the container hold most recently?: Only food or drink; empty with no chemical residue
Empty cartons go with metal, glass, and plastic recycling, not paper.
For households · NYC DSNY household collection
Conditions
- This recycling answer is limited to containers used only for food or drink and free of chemical residue. NYC Department of Sanitation: Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Cartons
Reviewed September 22, 2026 · Review overdue
NYC Department of Sanitation: Metal, Glass, Plastic, and CartonsVerify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: What did the container hold most recently?: A chemical, fuel, or a hazardous or flammable product or Unknown contents or residue
A chemical container or unknown residue is outside this food-packaging rule. Call 311 for product-specific disposal guidance; ordinary recycling or trash is not confirmed. For immediate danger, call 911.
For households · NYC DSNY household collection
Reviewed September 22, 2026 · Review overdue
NYC Department of Sanitation: Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Cartons · NYC311: Hazardous Materials