DSNY Recycling Signs Your Building Needs
Recycling signs aren't an HPD rule, but they're still a city requirement, and DSNY writes tickets for missing ones. With composting now mandatory citywide, a lot of buildings need to update their recycling area signs.
The quick answer
In short: DSNY requires signs in every area where recycling is collected, explaining which materials go where, how to separate them and where to bring them. Bins must be clearly labeled, and buildings with 4 or more units must inform residents about the rules. Fines start at $25 for small buildings and $100 for buildings with 9 or more units.
What the signs need to show
- 1What goes in each binMetal, glass, plastic and cartons; paper and cardboard; compost; and trash.
- 2How to separateRinse containers, flatten cardboard and keep recycling out of trash bags.
- 3Where to bring itThe recycling room, basement area or bin spot residents should use.
Signs must meet DSNY's labeling standards and stay legible. DSNY offers signage and decals through its building management resources.
Fines for missing signs
$25 first offense, $50 second, $100 for the third and after.
$100 first offense, $200 second, $400 for the third and after.
We make durable recycling area signs and bin labels that match your building. See custom signs
Don't forget compost
Composting has been mandatory citywide since April 1, 2025. Food scraps, food soiled paper and yard waste go in labeled bins with lids. If your recycling signs are older than that, they probably don't mention compost. Update them along with your garbage collection notice.
Telling residents
Buildings with 4 or more units must inform residents about recycling rules and procedures. Many owners post the rules in the lobby next to the housing guide, include a flyer with leases, and add a reminder to the yearly notices in January. A lobby screen can show it too, alongside the notices allowed under the digital signage rule.
Where to put recycling signs
A main sign above the bins showing all categories. Our super's guide adds it to the monthly check.
A label or decal on every bin.
On each floor with a chute, a reminder of what goes down and what doesn't.
The rules and pickup days, near the garbage notice.
What this looks like in practice
Say a 30 unit building in Sunnyside gets a DSNY ticket because the basement has bins but no signs. The owner puts up a main recycling sign above the bins, labels each bin including a new brown compost bin, and adds a small chute room sign on each floor. The super also posts the rules in the lobby. Total cost is less than one repeat ticket.
Official sources: DSNY Building Waste Management Guidelines, DSNY collection laws for residents, NYC Recycling.
Quick answers
Do NYC buildings need recycling signs?
Yes. DSNY requires signs in all areas where recycling is collected.
What's the fine for missing recycling signs?
For 1 to 8 units, $25 to $100. For 9 or more units, $100 to $400, depending on the offense.
Do recycling signs need to mention compost?
Composting is now mandatory citywide, so labeled compost bins and updated signs make sense. See the checklist for HPD signs too.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.