Sanitation

The Town of Riverhead Sanitation Department is the Town Department responsible for controlling the storage and disposal of solid waste generated within the Town. The Sanitation Department has oversight of all residential solid waste, bulk waste, yard waste, and recyclables collection and disposal services for the Riverhead Refuse and Garbage District. The Sanitation Department implements and promotes environmentally sound solid waste management practices, including recycling requirements and reporting, S.T.O.P. days. The Sanitation Department is responsible for licensing all solid waste collectors providing collection services to condominiums, apartments, mobile homes, churches, businesses, schools, or other institutions located within the Town of Riverhead. The Sanitation Department is also responsible for the management and operation of the Town's Yard Waste Facility.

The Town of Riverhead Refuse and Garbage District provides, by private collector under contract to the Town of Riverhead, collection and disposal of residential solid waste (household trash), recyclables, yard waste, and bulk waste. The Refuse and Garbage District is divided into six areas or sub-districts, "A" through "F". The pickup days for household trash and bulk or yard waste vary from sub-district to sub-district. Recycling is collected every Wednesday and alternates weekly between co-mingled and paper or cardboard. Note, the Town does not provide collection service to condominiums, apartments, mobile homes, commercial businesses, and other institutions. In addition to curbside pickup of yard waste, residents may purchase a permit and dispose of yard debris (branches, leaves, grass clippings, etc.) at the Town's Yard Waste Facility located on Young's Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901. This facility is for residents only; no contractors or landscapers are permitted.

Pollutant Disposal

The Town Sanitation Department holds two Stop Throwing Out Pollutants dates (S.T.O.P Day) (PDF), one in May and one in October. This program is held at the Town Highway yard at 1177 Osborne Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901. Residents may bring hazardous waste to this location for disposal, free of charge, on the designated dates only. Residents may dispose of E-Waste free of charge at the S.T.O.P. Program and at the Yard Waste Facility located on Young's Avenue during normal operating hours.

Sharps Disposal

Proper disposal of sharps and medication is essential to prevent the possible spread of disease, injury, and unlawful or accidental ingestion. Hypodermic needles and lancets used in the home may be disposed of properly at your local hospital or with household trash by following the instructions. Medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, may be disposed of at the Town's Police Department located at 201 Howell Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901.

Battery Disposal 

New York State requires a $5 deposit on all auto-marine batteries at the point of purchase. For future purchases, when your battery needs replacing, return it for a refund. As an alternative, drop off your used batteries at a local scrap metal dealer that is registered or approved to accept batteries, and you may even get paid for the scrap battery.

All Biohazard Disposal

Guide to Biohazard Waste Disposal: How to properly classify, handle, and safely dispose of all forms of biohazard waste (according to current WHO recommendations and UN standards).

More Information

Residents may obtain more information by clicking on the list of services provided, searching our FAQs, and/or contacting the Sanitation Department at 631-727-3200, ext. 391.

Town of Riverhead Refuse and Garbage Districts

Riverhead Sanitation Districts (JPG)


Pick-up Days

More Information

  1. Draft Local Solid Waste Management Plan 2020-2029 (PDF)
  2. Food Scrap English Flyer (PDF)
  3. Food Scrap Spanish Flyer (PDF)
  4. Helpful Recycling Information (PDF)
  5. Household Pickup Information (PDF)
  6. Long Island Waste and Materials Management Questionnaire (PDF)
  7. Recycle Information and Pick Up Schedule (PDF)
  8. Riverhead Yard Waste Disposal Facility (PDF)
  9. STOP Notification Flyer (PDF)
  10. Waste Disposal License Application (PDF)
  11. Yard Waste Application (PDF)
  12. Yard Waste Disposal Facility (PDF)