Albany apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site teams: protect NOI while keeping residents out of dark dumpster enclosures and aligned with New York’s evolving recycling expectations. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program is engineered around City of Albany Code Chapter 313, Article II (Source Separation of Recyclables) and the broader Albany County recycling framework, helping you avoid avoidable fines while offering a modern amenity residents expect.
Within the City of Albany, any “multiresidential complex” with five or more residential units on a single property or contiguous properties under common ownership must establish and maintain a private recycling collection program. Property owners, property managers, or superintendents must provide designated recycling collection areas, require residents to source-separate recyclables from trash, and arrange for collection through a permitted hauler under Chapter 313, Article II. Violations can trigger fines of up to $250 per offense, per day, plus potential cost recovery and other enforcement tools. Surrounding Albany County cities, towns, and villages also operate under mandatory recycling and source-separation laws or transfer-station rules, even where there is no explicit “apartment mandate” threshold written into code.
- Protect NOI & asset value: Avoid per-day code violations in Albany and high fine exposure in suburbs like Colonie by aligning your onsite program with local recycling ordinances.
- Resident-first convenience: Doorstep collection that keeps residents out of icy, poorly lit enclosures, reduces trips to dumpsters, and supports renewals and online reputation.
- Code-smart design: Recycling rooms, carts, and enclosure layouts sized to match local expectations for multiresidential complexes and town transfer-station rules.
- Hands-off compliance: We coordinate haulers, resident education, and documentation so your onsite team can focus on leasing, turns, and service—not chasing recycling contamination issues.
At a Glance: City of Albany vs. Albany County & Other Municipalities
City of Albany (Inside City Limits)
- Mandate Type: Mandatory recycling / source-separation program for multiresidential complexes.
- Applicability Threshold: Applies to “multiresidential complexes” with five or more residential units on a single property or continuous properties under common ownership or management.
See the definition in Chapter 313, Article II – Source Separation of Recyclables. - Property Manager Duties: Establish and maintain a private recycling collection program; provide and label recycling collection areas; require residents to separate designated recyclables from trash; and arrange for regular collection through an authorized hauler.
- Program Duties: Keep collection areas neat, sanitary, and accessible to residents; prevent contamination that would allow haulers to reject loads; and cooperate with inspections and enforcement under Chapter 313.
- Enforcement & Fines: Unlawful conduct under Article II can result in fines up to $250 per offense, possible imprisonment, and recovery of City costs to abate violations. Each day a violation continues can be treated as a separate offense.
- Key City Links: Albany Code – Ch. 313, Article II (Source Separation of Recyclables) · Albany Recycles (Rapp Road Landfill & Recycling Info) · City of Albany – Official Site
Albany County Cities, Towns & Villages
- Mandate Type: There is no single county-wide apartment ordinance, but most municipalities in Albany County operate under mandatory recycling or source-separation laws adopted as part of regional solid-waste planning.
- Applicability Threshold: Town laws (Bethlehem, Guilderland, Colonie, New Scotland, Coeymans, etc.) typically apply to all households, businesses, institutions, and multiresidential complexes, rather than setting a specific apartment-unit threshold.
- Program Duties: Provide adequate recycling capacity and storage, use permitted haulers or transfer stations, and prohibit disposal of designated recyclables as trash. Some towns (e.g., Colonie) impose escalating fines and permit suspensions for repeated violations.
- Regional Coordination: Many municipalities participate in or are linked to the Capital Region Solid Waste Management Partnership Planning Unit, which coordinates landfill capacity and recycling efforts across the region.
- How National Doorstep Helps: We design valet trash & recycling programs that plug into each city or town’s rules—whether you’re on municipal collection, using a private hauler, or relying on a town transfer station—so your properties stay “inspection ready” from downtown Albany to rural Westerlo.
Albany County Cities, Towns & Villages – Apartment Recycling Snapshot
The cities, towns, and villages listed below are the incorporated municipalities in Albany County, NY, along with high-level notes on their apartment recycling expectations. Most operate under some form of mandatory source separation or required recycling program; property managers should use the linked sites and eCode references for the latest details.
| Municipality | Apartment Recycling Mandate? | Notes for Owners & Property Managers |
|---|---|---|
| Albany (City) | Yes – Mandatory source separation for multiresidential complexes (5+ units) |
Chapter 313, Article II requires multiresidential complexes with 5+ residential units to establish private recycling programs. Property owners or property managers must provide recycling collection areas, require residents to source-separate designated recyclables, and use an appropriate hauler. Violations can result in fines up to $250 per offense, potential imprisonment, and City cost recovery, with each day treated as a separate offense. Key local links: Albany Code – Ch. 313, Article II · Albany Recycles · City of Albany |
| Cohoes (City) | Yes – Multifamily source-separation requirements |
Cohoes’ solid-waste and recycling laws mirror Albany’s model, requiring multiresidential complexes to provide recycling collection areas and ensure residents source-separate recyclables from trash. While there is not a widely publicized “unit threshold” in public summaries, multiresidential buildings are treated as obligated generators. Non-compliance is subject to fines and enforcement through City code and building inspections. Key local links: City of Cohoes – Official Site · Cohoes Building & Code |
| Watervliet (City) | Yes – Source separation for multiresidential complexes (5+ units) |
Under Chapter 168 – Garbage, Waste, Littering and Recycling, Watervliet defines a multiresidential complex as five or more residential units and requires owners or property managers to provide and maintain recycling areas and ensure source separation. Article III, “Source Separation of Recyclables,” follows the same general model as Albany. Violations are enforceable through fines and other penalties set out in Chapter 168 and related provisions. Key local links: Watervliet Code – Ch. 168 · City of Watervliet – Official Site |
| Altamont (Village) | No separate apartment threshold; recycling governed by local solid-waste rules |
As part of the regional solid-waste planning area, Altamont properties are expected to participate in recycling and source separation through private haulers or designated facilities. Multifamily communities should match single-family recycling rules and coordinate with haulers or town transfer stations for material acceptance and preparation standards. Key local links: Village of Altamont |
| Berne (Town) | No apartment-specific threshold; transfer-station based recycling |
Berne operates a town transfer station that accepts residential trash and recyclables by permit. Solid-waste regulations require residents to use designated facilities and follow rules; multifamily communities are expected to either self-haul or use private haulers in line with those rules. Town code provides for fines and permit actions when residents or properties violate solid-waste standards. Key local links: Berne Transfer Station · Town of Berne |
| Bethlehem (Town) | Yes – Mandatory recycling for all generators |
Bethlehem’s Chapter 97 – Solid Waste includes an Article III: Mandatory Recycling that requires all residents, businesses, and institutions to recycle designated materials. Multifamily properties are treated as obligated generators and must ensure residents have access to recycling and comply with separation rules. Penalties for solid-waste violations can reach $350–$1,000 per offense, with possible imprisonment and each day of a continuing offense treated separately. Key local links: Bethlehem Code – Ch. 97 Solid Waste · Town of Bethlehem |
| Colonie (Town) | Yes – Mandatory source separation with strong enforcement |
The Town’s recycling law (e.g., Chapter 112 – Solid Waste / Recycling) requires all generators, including multi-residential complexes, to separate recyclables and provide adequate collection and storage. Penalties for violations can be significant: a first offense carries a fine up to $500; a second offense includes a mandatory 30-day suspension and possible fines up to $1,000; a third offense requires at least a one-year revocation of permits plus potential fines up to $2,500. Each day of a continuing offense is a separate violation. Key local links: Colonie Recycling Code · Town of Colonie |
| Colonie (Village) | No apartment-specific threshold; follows local and town solid-waste rules |
The Village of Colonie lies within the Town of Colonie and works within town and village solid-waste and recycling rules. Apartment properties are expected to offer residents the same recycling access as single-family homes, using approved haulers and following source-separation rules. Key local links: Village of Colonie |
| Coeymans (Town) | Yes – Solid-waste law with recycling program requirements |
Chapter 138 – Solid Waste includes provisions for recycling and Recycling/Transfer Center operations. The Recycling Coordinator works with owners or operators of multiple-family residences to develop recycling plans, and recyclables must be kept clean and dry. Violations are subject to enforcement under Chapter 138, with fines and potential legal action for persistent non-compliance. Key local links: Coeymans Solid Waste Code · Town of Coeymans |
| Green Island (Town/Village) | Yes – Local recycling article and program guidelines |
Green Island’s code includes Article II – Recycling under its garbage and refuse chapter, supplemented by detailed trash & recycling program guidelines. Residents are required to set out recyclables according to Village rules; multifamily communities are expected to participate and provide residents with access to collection. Violations can be cited under the Village’s solid-waste and property-maintenance provisions. Key local links: Green Island Code – Garbage & Recycling · Green Island Trash & Recycling Guidelines · Village of Green Island |
| Guilderland (Town) | Yes – Mandatory separation of recyclables |
Under Chapter 236 – Solid Waste, Article II – Recycling, “every household, business and institution” must separate recyclable materials from other waste, whether using the town transfer station or private haulers. Disposing of recyclables as trash is prohibited. Multifamily properties must provide residents with a way to comply and are exposed to fines under the town’s penalty provisions for violations. Key local links: Guilderland Code – Ch. 236 Solid Waste · Guilderland Recycling Information · Town of Guilderland |
| Knox (Town) | No apartment-specific threshold; transfer-station based recycling requirements |
Knox participates in regional solid-waste planning; residents must use approved facilities and follow local rules for trash and recyclables. Apartment properties typically work through permitted haulers or transfer-station permits to provide recycling access that matches single-family requirements. Key local links: Town of Knox |
| Menands (Village) | No separate apartment ordinance; follows village/town recycling practices |
Located within the Town of Colonie, Menands relies on village DPW services and town-level recycling frameworks. Apartment communities are expected to provide residents access to recycling and comply with DPW rules and any applicable town source-separation mandates. Key local links: Village of Menands |
| New Scotland (Town) | Yes – Source-separation law covering all generators |
New Scotland’s Recyclable Trash Source Separation Law requires all residents and all commercial, industrial, and institutional establishments within the town to source-separate recyclables and arrange for collection. The town provides curbside recycling for many households. Multifamily communities must make sure residents can comply and are subject to enforcement if recyclables are handled as trash. Key local links: New Scotland Solid Waste & Recycling · Town of New Scotland |
| Ravena (Village) | No apartment-specific threshold; village solid-waste rules |
Ravena is within the Town of Coeymans and relies on village DPW and town recycling frameworks. Multifamily properties are expected to coordinate with DPW or private haulers to offer recycling, and can be cited under village and town codes if trash and recyclables are mismanaged. Key local links: Village of Ravena |
| Rensselaerville (Town) | No explicit apartment threshold; transfer-station plus hauler-based recycling |
Rensselaerville participates in regional solid-waste efforts. Residents and properties must follow town rules for waste and recyclables, using haulers or transfer-station services. Apartment communities should mirror household recycling requirements and avoid disposing of recyclables as trash. Key local links: Town of Rensselaerville |
| Voorheesville (Village) | No separate apartment threshold; covered by village/town programs |
Within New Scotland, Voorheesville is part of the same recycling and solid-waste planning framework. Apartment properties should follow New Scotland’s source-separation law and any village DPW guidelines for set-outs, materials, and preparation. Key local links: Village of Voorheesville |
| Westerlo (Town) | No apartment-specific threshold; transfer-station expectations |
Westerlo operates under regional solid-waste planning, with residents using town or private facilities for trash and recyclables. Apartment communities are expected to provide recycling access that matches town guidance and avoid nuisance and solid-waste violations at enclosures. Key local links: Town of Westerlo |
Albany-Area Fines & Penalties Snapshot
- City of Albany (Ch. 313, Article II): Unlawful conduct under the source-separation article can lead to fines up to $250 per offense, possible imprisonment, and recovery of City abatement costs. Each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate offense.
- Town of Bethlehem (Ch. 97): Solid-waste violations can carry fines ranging roughly from up to $350 for a first offense to $700–$1,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential imprisonment; repeated offenses within five years escalate penalties.
- Town of Colonie (Recycling & Solid Waste Articles): A first offense can trigger a fine up to $500; a second offense requires at least a 30-day suspension of licenses or permits plus possible fines up to $1,000; a third offense requires at least a one-year revocation and potential fines up to $2,500. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
- Other Towns/Villages: Most use a similar structure: violations of solid-waste and recycling provisions are typically punishable by fines in the low-hundreds range per offense, with the option to treat each day as a separate violation and to suspend permits or seek injunctions for persistent non-compliance.
- Risk Management Tip: For every Albany-area property, maintain a file with service agreements, route maps, photos, resident notices, and recycling plans. When an inspector calls or a notice of violation is issued, this documentation demonstrates that the owner and property manager are taking recycling requirements seriously.
Albany Multifamily Recycling Compliance Checklist
| Task | Action / Requirement | Helpful Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction & Unit Count | Verify whether your property is inside the City of Albany or in another Albany County municipality. If you are a multiresidential complex with 5+ units in Albany, Chapter 313, Article II applies. In towns like Bethlehem, Guilderland, Colonie, New Scotland and Coeymans, assume mandatory source separation applies to all multifamily communities. | Albany County – Municipalities List · Albany Code – Ch. 313 Art. II |
| ☑ Map Out Recycling Collection Areas | For City of Albany properties, designate recycling collection areas that are clean, sanitary, and reasonably convenient for residents—matching or improving on the convenience of trash. In suburban towns, make sure recycling carts or dumpsters are as accessible as trash and sized to current occupancy. | Albany Recycles · Guilderland Recycling Info |
| ☑ Engage the Right Hauler or Transfer Station | Confirm whether your municipality provides collection or expects you to contract with a private hauler or self-haul to a transfer station. Make sure your hauler will collect all locally designated recyclables and that your contract reflects local source-separation rules. | Know Your Local Recycling Guidelines (NYS DEC) |
| ☑ Put Requirements in Writing | Draft a simple site-specific recycling plan that covers container locations, service frequency, accepted materials, contamination procedures, and resident communication. Keep this in your property compliance file and update it when units, haulers, or building use changes. | Capital Region Solid Waste Management Partnership |
| ☑ Resident Education & House Rules | Add a recycling addendum to your house rules: what goes in recycling, how residents should bag (or not bag) materials, and where/when to set out items. Reinforce with signage at mail kiosks, elevators, and collection points. Emphasize safety (no loose glass, sharp metal, or hazardous waste in bags). | Request Valet Trash & Recycling Program Details |
| ☑ Document Service & Inspections | Keep a running log of pickup days, overflow incidents, contamination issues, and resident education efforts. Photos of enclosures before and after service are extremely helpful if you ever need to respond to a complaint or notice of violation. | City of Albany · Town of Colonie · Town of Bethlehem |
Want your Albany-area communities inspection-ready without burning out your onsite team? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Albany-area property. We’ll review your current trash & recycling layout, coordinate with local haulers and town rules, design a resident-friendly valet trash & recycling program, and help prepare the inspector-ready documentation that shows alignment with City of Albany and Albany County municipal codes.
Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.
