Sanitation
What Sanitation Violations Does DSNY Issue in NYC?
DSNY (Department of Sanitation) enforces NYC's sanitation laws and issues violations for improper trash disposal, dirty sidewalks, illegal dumping, recycling violations, and snow removal failures. DSNY violations are heard at OATH and can result in fines from $50 to $18,000 depending on the offense.
Nacmias Law Firm is a private law firm — not DSNY or a NYC government agency. We help NYC property owners respond to the violations and summonses Department of Sanitation (DSNY) issues. Need the agency itself? Use the official site; for legal help, contact us.
What is Department of Sanitation (DSNY)?
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps NYC clean by collecting trash and recyclables, cleaning streets, and enforcing sanitation laws. DSNY Enforcement Agents issue violations for improper waste disposal, dirty sidewalks, failure to recycle, commercial waste violations, illegal dumping, and failure to clear snow and ice from sidewalks.
Common DSNY violations
These are the violations DSNY issues most often. If you received a summons for any of them, we can review it for free.
Dirty sidewalk / area
Failure to keep the sidewalk, curb, and 18 inches into the street clean (Admin. Code §16-118). The most common DSNY summons.
Improper trash set-out
Trash or recycling put out at the wrong time, in the wrong container, or not properly secured for collection.
Read §1-12 RCNYFailure to recycle / sort
Not separating recyclables, missing labeled bins, or non-compliance with commercial recycling rules.
Snow and ice removal
Failure to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within the required window after snowfall stops.
Read §16-123Illegal dumping
Dumping waste on public property or another person’s property — among the highest DSNY penalties.
Read §16-119Commercial waste / carter rules
Businesses using an unlicensed carter, missing carting paperwork, or violating commercial set-out rules.
What happens after a DSNY summons?
We handle 3 of the 4 steps. Tap any step to see what it involves.
You receive a summons
A DSNY enforcement agent issues a sanitation summons (a Notice of Violation) returnable to OATH, with a hearing date and a stated penalty.
DSNY Penalty Schedule
See the official penalty amounts OATH imposes for DSNY violations — the standard penalty if you appear and the higher default penalty if you don’t, by violation and offense number.
View DSNY penalty scheduleEssential DSNY Links
View AllFrequently Asked Questions About DSNY
DSNY Contact Information
Need Legal Help?
Our attorneys can help you navigate DSNY violations, hearings, and compliance issues.
Related Practice Areas
Got a DSNY sanitation ticket?
We defend NYC sanitation summonses at OATH — many can be cured or reduced, and in many cases you won’t need to appear in person. Free 15-minute case review.
