Waste Collection Fee Program

On January 4, 2016, November 19, 2018, December 16, 2019, and November 16, 2020, the City amended Albany City Code § 313-3 to charge an ANNUAL, January to December, waste collection fee (WCF) on all residential homes of four units or less, including single family homes. The yearly $180 fee covers all waste collection pickup (i.e., solid waste; see more information on the General Services page).

Starting in 2021, the WCF are billed directly on the property tax bills. 

New in 2026

Revisions in Waste Collection Fee (WCF) billing

  • WCF bills now appear on your Property Tax Bill as a separate fee of $180 per unit.  This will save taxpayers approximately $75k annually on mailing, printing and processing costs.
  • The City eliminated the $50 late fee per unit for 2020 and all future WCF bills.  Late fees have been reduced to a maximum annual penalty of 14%, or $25.20 per unit (4% in February, and 1% for each additional month beginning in February 2026). 
  • All remaining delinquent 2025 ($90 per unit) WCF bills are placed on 2026 property tax bills with additional late charges. 

Questions

If you have any questions, the Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance and the Treasurer's office is happy to answer them.  You may send an e-mail to or call 518-434-5036.  You are also welcome to view the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about the fee and how it will operate.

Contact

If you have any questions about the status of your Residential Occupancy Permit (ROP) or as a Vacant Building on the Vacant Building Registry, contact:

  • Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance
    200 Henry Johnson Boulevard
    Albany, NY 12210
  • Phone 518-434-5165
  • Fax 518-434-6015
  • Email

If you have questions about your WCF bill or your exemptions, contact:
Treasurer's Office
City Hall
24 Eagle Street
Room 109
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518-434-5036
Email