What You Can Report

You can request the removal of a large amount of trash or bulk items (enough to fill one bathtub) dumped on public property.

Public property includes:

• Sidewalks
• Streets
• Lots
• Parks

If you are reporting a mattress or box spring that has been illegally dumped on a sidewalk, you do not have to cover it in a sealed plastic bag for collection.

What You Can’t Report

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) doesn't remove items from private property, including community driveways and parking lots.

DSNY also doesn’t remove small amounts of trash or debris from public sidewalks. It is the property owner’s responsibility to remove small amounts of dumped items or trash.

You can report illegal dumping from a vehicle on public property that has happened repeatedly at the same location.

What You Need

You must provide your contact information so the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) can follow up with you if necessary.

When reporting trash dumped from a vehicle, it’s helpful if you can provide:

• A description of the vehicle, including license plate number
• The time, date, and location
• The type and amount of material dumped

You can report electronics that were illegally dumped on a sidewalk.

If you provide information about illegal dumping that leads to a fine or civil penalty, you may be eligible to receive up to half of the payment. To earn the reward, you must complete the Illegal Dumping Award Program Affidavit.

Learn more about the Illegal Dumping Award Program.

Download the affidavit form.

What You Need

Your report must include:

• The time, date, and location of the incident
• A description of the vehicle, including license plate number
• The type and amount of dumped material

Mailing Address

Mail the completed, notarized affidavit to:

Director of Enforcement
NYC Department of Sanitation
1824 Shore Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11214

What Happens Next

DSNY will mail you a status update in a few weeks.

If the person accused of illegal dumping pleads not guilty to the notice of violation, you will be required to testify at the hearing. You can also request a hearing on the affidavit form. If a hearing is necessary, you will receive the date and time of the hearing in the mail.

If you're available by phone and can guarantee your appearance in court within two hours of being called, you can request a telephone standby on the affidavit form. Telephone standbys are only available at 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 1 PM.

Illegal dumping cases are heard in the borough where the violation occurs. For locations and hours, visit the City-Issued Violation or Summons page.