Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-94
Garbage and refuse
Operative Text
A. Exterior property area shall be kept free from organic and inorganic material that might become a health, accident or fire hazard. B. Adequate sanitary facilities and methods shall be used for the collection, storage and handling and disposal of garbage and rubbish. It shall be prohibited to store or accumulate garbage or rubbish in halls or stairways. Every dwelling and every dwelling unit shall be provided with such receptacles as may be necessary to contain all garbage and rubbish, and all such receptacles shall be maintained in good repair. Receptacles for garbage shall be made of durable material, shall be watertight and shall be provided with tight-fitting covers. C. No person shall kindle any fire or furnish any material for any fire nor authorize such fire in any street, lane, alley or any vacant lot. Burning shall be prohibited except when such burning of combustible refuse shall be in a covered incinerator and not less than 10 feet from any dwelling or accessory structure.
Albany Code § 231-94 establishes cleanliness and refuse-management standards for residential properties. Exterior areas must be kept clear of materials that could pose health, accident, or fire hazards, and garbage or rubbish may not be stored in hallways or stairways. Proper receptacles—durable, watertight, and fitted with tight covers—must be provided and maintained, and open burning is prohibited except in a covered incinerator placed at least 10 feet from any dwelling or accessory structure.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany Code § 231-94, compliant property operators keep exterior areas free of hazardous debris and ensure every dwelling unit is supplied with adequate, well-maintained garbage receptacles that are watertight and covered. Operators also take care that common areas such as halls and stairways remain clear of accumulated garbage or rubbish at all times. Any disposal involving combustible refuse must occur only in a covered incinerator sited at least 10 feet from structures, and open burning in streets, alleys, or vacant lots is not permitted.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany Code § 231-94 gives tenants a basis to expect that their dwelling and its common areas are equipped with proper, maintained refuse receptacles and that hallways and stairways are kept free of garbage accumulation. If these conditions are not met, tenants may document the issue and consider filing a complaint with Albany's code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations in the Albany area can also help residents understand what options are available when sanitation standards under this provision are not being upheld.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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