As the Sukkos holiday concludes, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced special collection instructions for the disposal of Schach.
This year, the department is handling the Schach collection a little differently. Instead of a dedicated pickup, DSNY will collect Schach materials on regular neighborhood recycling days.
Residents of Crown Heights are asked to place their Schach out on the curb on their designated recycling day—either this Shabbos, next Shabbos, or on the corresponding weekday if their recycling schedule falls during the week. Since different blocks have different recycling schedules, residents should follow their usual routine for putting out recycling.
Importantly, the Sanitation Department has specified that Schach should be placed in clear plastic bags, not in black garbage bags. This allows crews to recognize that the contents are natural, recyclable materials—such as leaves, bamboo, or palm branches. Bags that are opaque may be mistaken for regular trash and left behind.
In previous years, residents were advised to bundle their Schach with rope before placing it outside. This year’s clear-bag requirement is intended to streamline pickup and ensure that all organic material is properly composted or recycled.
Community members are reminded to keep sidewalks clear and to place all materials neatly at the curb for collection.
Thank you to the DSNY for all their EXTRA work during this very busy season with all the extra guests and holiday meals.
Thank you to those that actually pick up the trash, not the dsny for sending nasty ticketers all over town giving tickets for nothing!
If recycling is normally picked up in the back alley, does schach still go to the curb? Or to the back alley?
You should put it where your recycling gets picked up. It’s going to be picked up by the organic compost truck.