Garbage Goes in Blue Bags

Any item that cannot be recycled and is not considered a trash or bulk item should be placed in City of Utica blue bags. Set out your garbage and recyclables between 5pm and 11pm on the night before your collection day. Each single family home is allowed to set out a maximum of 10 city blue bags each week. Each multiple family (two or more) home and business is allowed to set out 20 city blue bags each week.

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Trash and Bulk Item Pickup

Trash Limit: One Cubic Yard

Take a yard stick and make a box with it—this is the one cubic yard allowed for one family. (Two cubic yards for two or more apartments or businesses).

Trash Examples

Garden Hoses; Plastic Wading Pools; Empty Driveway Sealer Cans; Old Lawn Furniture; Lawn Mowers; Linoleum; Pieces of Rug & Carpet Padding; Small Appliances - Irons, Coffee Pots, Electric Frying Pans, Fans, Lamps, Toaster Ovens; Small Microwaves; Large Toys - Swing Sets, Bicycles, Tricycles, Big Wheels; Window Panes & Frames; Furnace Filters; Suitcases; Hampers; Construction & Demolition Debris (C&D) - Roofing Materials, Wood, Plaster, Plasterboard, Bathroom Tiles, Floor Tiles, Insulation, Cement Pieces.

Trash Preparation

Wood or metal (4 foot length limit) must be tied into secure bundles. Place smaller pieces into a container, no larger than 30 gallons, weight limit 50 lbs. Set out next to your blue bags on garbage night, not before.

Limit Two Tires Per Week Per Building

Remove rims and include with metal trash.

Limit One Bulk Item Per Week Per Building

Washing Machine; Dryer; Refrigerator; Stove; Dishwasher; Hot Water Heater; Box Spring; Mattress; Dresser; Couch/Sofa; Large Chair; Television; Room-Size Rug (rolled & tied).

Do Not Set Out

55 Gallon Drums; Pianos; Safes; Propane Tanks; Oil Tanks; Truck Tires.

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Green Waste

GREEN WASTE COLLECTION - EVERYTHING IN CONTAINERS

Grass, Leaves, Shrubbery, Branches, Garden Clippings and Twigs should be placed in a plastic or metal container no larger than 30 gallons. Containers should not exceed 50 pounds. Do not place material loose at the road. Limbs and branches should be cut into 4 foot lengths tied and bundled. Green waste will be collected once a week on your regular blue bag collection day. Do not mix green waste with any foreign matter, such as paper, stones, rocks, plastics, flower pots or metal items. There is a limit of 5 green waste containers or bundles per week at each residence.

You may also set out dirt, bricks, rocks and concrete pieces, but they must be limited to one separate container (less than 50 lbs.) and not mixed with green waste.

If you have large quantities of material (i.e. trees, brush, concrete, dirt, etc.) call the Authority at 731-0238 for a service fee quote, or you may deliver the material directly to the Authority's Convenience Station on Leland Ave. during normal business hours at no charge.

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Need a Bin?

If you live in Utica and are in need of a new orange recycling container, simply visit us at our Administrative office, 1600 Genesee Street, during regular hours. Office hours are M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The rectangular, 16 gallon recycling containers for Utica residents are free of charge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy City of Utica Blue Bags?

They are sold within the City of Utica limits in 43 locations at several grocery stores, drug stores, and convenience stations. View locations

Why can't I apply for an exemption after the deadline date for a vacant apartment?

The exemption process is offered once a year in January. All applications must be filed with the Authority Office on or before February 1st of each year. If an apartment becomes vacant in the middle of the year, you have to wait until the following year to request a waiver.

Does all green waste and brush have to be in containers?

All green waste and brush must be placed in a container. You can place out up to 5 green waste containers per week during the Spring and Summer. There will be no limit on the number of containers for Fall leaves from September 15th - November 15th. You should place your leaves, grass, shrubbery, branches (no longer than 4 feet) and twigs in open plastic or metal containers. Green waste will no longer be collected loose at the curb. GREEN WASTE WILL BE COLLECTED ON THE SAME NIGHT AS YOUR BLUE BAGS AND RECYCLABLES.

What if I have more than 5 containers of green waste this Summer?

If you have large quantities of green waste call the Authority Office at 731-0238 for a service fee quote. Or you may deliver green waste directly to the Authority's Convenience Station on Leland Ave. in Utica, Monday - Friday (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. or Saturdays 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at no charge.

How do I dispose of stones, dirt and/or concrete?

You may set out dirt, bricks, rocks and concrete pieces, but they must be limited to one container (less than 50 pounds) and not mixed with green waste. This material must be set out on your normal blue bag collection night from May to September.

Can I place my recyclables in a clear plastic bag so they won't get wet or blow away?

Yes. Recyclables can be placed in clear, see through plastic bags during bad weather. The Authority prefers that you bundle or tie items such as corrugated cardboard and newspapers.

Do I need a separate orange recycling container for glass, plastic and metal cans?

No, your container items can all be placed co-mingled into one recycling container; however you must keep your paper products separate. Paper products can be placed in a brown paper bag, or tied together with string, and placed next to your orange recycling container.

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Collection Map