Cogent Launches Monthly Newsletter
- conor2327
- Aug 26
- 2 min read

There’s a lot happening in New York City’s waste landscape, from new trash container rules for businesses to the phased rollout of Commercial Waste Zones. To help keep New York businesses up to speed, we've launched a monthly newsletter. In our inaugural issue, we break down what these changes mean for you and how Cogent is working to make compliance simple and stress-free.

New Trash Container Rules for NYC Businesses
A reminder to NYC businesses: the city now requires all commercial trash with food or food-soiled paper to be placed in bins with secure lids. Regular, clear recycling bags are still acceptable for clean recyclables and dry waste, but anything that could attract pests needs to be containerized. Fines start at $50 and escalate from there.
Bins can go out on the curb up to one hour before closing or after 8 PM, and need to be brought in before your business reopens. Recycling rules remain the same, so continue with the standard sorting of metal, glass, plastic, or clean paper and cardboard.
If you have questions or need help staying compliant, feel free to give us a call. We’re here to make waste management easy.

What NYC’s New Commercial Waste Zones Mean for You
Big changes are coming to commercial waste collection in NYC. Under the city’s new Commercial Waste Zones program, all five boroughs will be divided into twenty zones, each exclusively served by three authorized haulers. The goal is to cut down on truck congestion, reduce emissions, and provide more consistent service and pricing for businesses across the city.
The Cogent team is keeping a close eye on every step of the rollout. Our team is actively working to keep customers informed, clarify what these changes mean, and help businesses navigate their options. If you have questions about your zone or want support during the transition, feel free to reach out to us. We want this to unfold as smoothly as possible.
Meet the Cogent Flagship
Our rear-end garbage trucks are the backbone of our waste collection efforts. These trucks are designed for daily use, picking up loose garbage from residential and commercial areas. Equipped with five strategically placed cameras, our drivers can monitor their surroundings both day and night, enhancing safety and compliance with city regulations.
The operation of a rear-end garbage truck is straightforward yet highly effective. Garbage is loaded through the back, where a specialized blade compacts the waste to maximize space. When full, the truck can easily unload by lifting the compartment, ensuring an efficient and clean process.

Holiday Collection Schedule
Planning around holiday closures? Here's a quick look at the upcoming dates when Cogent will not be collecting trash. Be sure to review the schedule and adjust your set-out times accordingly to avoid service disruptions.
Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island
| Labor Day | Sun 8/31/25 | 
| Columbus Day | Sun 10/12/25 | 
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu 11/27/25 | 
| Christmas Eve | Wed 12/24/25 | 
| Christmas Day | Thu 12/25/25 | 
| New Year’s Eve | Wed 12/31/25 | 
Manhattan
| Labor Day | Mon 9/1/25 | 
| Columbus Day | Mon 10/13/25 | 
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu 11/27/25 | 
| Christmas Eve | Wed 12/24/25 | 
| Christmas Day | Thu 12/25/25 | 
| New Year’s Eve | Wed 12/31/25 | 




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