Syracuse Sun

The City of Syracuse Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced that it will begin issuing citations starting Monday, January 6, to property owners who do not comply with setout requirements for recycling carts. This follows the introduction of uniform recycling carts citywide in the fall of 2024. Fines are set at $100 for households that fail to address violations after receiving a citation.

Previously, DPW crews issued warning notices without fines or citations to properties not adhering to the setout rules. Common errors identified by DPW include placing trash in recycling bins, bagging recyclables, and not breaking down large cardboard boxes.

From January 6 onward, improperly set out trash and recycling will not be collected by DPW crews, who will instead issue a citation notice. Property owners have 24 hours to rectify their setout to avoid paying the fine. Properly adjusted trash and recycling can be picked up during the following scheduled week. Additionally, excess waste can be taken to an Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency drop-off site, with locations and fee details available at ocrra.org.

"Most properties are adhering to the setout requirements, and we appreciate how quickly residents have adapted to the cart program," said Jeremy Robinson, DPW Commissioner. "Our goal is not to issue citations or impose fines, so we encourage residents to review the informational materials provided with the carts or available at syr.gov/Trash-and-Recycling."

Fines remain at $350 for health and sanitation violations.