The year 2026 marks a historic turning point for waste management in New York City. With the full-scale implementation of the Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) program under Local Law 199, the “wild west” of private carting is officially over. New York is now divided into 20 distinct zones, and businesses in areas like Brooklyn South and Queens Northeast are required to sign new, DSNY-approved contracts by February 28, 2026.
In this article for Facilitybot, we highlight the top-rated waste management and junk removal companies in New York for 2026. These providers are recognized for their compliance with the new zoning laws, commitment to sustainability, and exceptional service ratings.
Top Waste Management & Junk Removal Providers in NYC (2026)
| Company | Ratings & Reviews | Key Services | Location |
| MAC JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES INC. | ⭐ 5.0 (787 Reviews) | Professional junk removal, estate cleanouts | Brooklyn, NY |
| Cardella Waste | ⭐ 4.9 (571 Reviews) | Construction debris, commercial hauling | North Bergen / NYC |
| Just Rubbish Removal | ⭐ 5.0 (470 Reviews) | Rubbish removal, retail & commercial | Brooklyn, NY |
| Royal Waste Services | ⭐ 3.8 (305 Reviews) | CWZ Authorized, organics, recycling | Jamaica, NY |
| Waste Connections – NEW YORK CITY | ⭐ 3.9 (136 Reviews) | Industrial waste, large container service | Bronx, NY |
| The Junk Pros Corporation | ⭐ 5.0 (119 Reviews) | Apartment cleanouts, professional hauling | New York, NY |
| Big Apple Junk Removal nyc | ⭐ 4.9 (57 Reviews) | Professional junk removal, waste management | NYC |
| The Standard Clean Outs | ⭐ 5.0 (26 Reviews) | Pop-up event removal, commercial waste | New York, NY |
| Creative Waste Solutions | ⭐ 5.0 (27 Reviews) | Top-notch waste management services | NYC |
| Curbside Waste NY | ⭐ 5.0 (20 Reviews) | Timely container management, scheduled | Astoria, NY |
1. MAC JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES INC.
For non-scheduled waste, MAC Junk Removal is the top-rated provider in Brooklyn. With over 15 years of experience and a perfect 5.0 rating across nearly 800 reviews, they are the go-to for “on-demand” needs—clearing out offices, construction debris, or bulk items that regular route trucks won’t take.
2. Cardella Waste
A specialist in heavy-duty waste for 75+ years, Cardella Waste is a favorite for construction and industrial facilities. They are highly regarded for their professionalism and their massive “packer” fleet, ensuring that large-scale renovations or commercial waste streams are handled with mechanical precision.
3. Just Rubbish Removal
Based in Brooklyn, Just Rubbish Removal is a leader in retail and restaurant waste. They are frequently cited as the “best rubbish removal service in NYC,” known for their fast response times and their ability to handle the high volume of waste generated by New York’s hospitality sector.
4. Royal Waste Services
Royal Waste is a critical player in the 2026 landscape. They are a DSNY-authorized hauler for the new Commercial Waste Zones, specifically serving zones such as Queens Northeast and Queens Southeast. For facilities in these areas, Royal Waste is a primary choice for meeting the new mandatory contract requirements that were finalized in early 2026.
5. Waste Connections – NEW YORK CITY
Operating out of the Bronx, Waste Connections is an integrated services giant. In 2026, they remain a top choice for industrial and manufacturing facilities that require large-container service. They are authorized in 12 different Commercial Waste Zones, making them one of the most accessible haulers in the city.
6. The Junk Pros Corporation
Specializing in specialized cleanouts, The Junk Pros are the preferred partners for property managers handling tenant move-outs or estate transitions. Their reputation is built on being “thorough and respectful,” a necessity when dealing with delicate apartment cleanouts in Manhattan.
7. Big Apple Junk Removal nyc
With 15+ years in business, Big Apple Junk Removal specializes in efficient debris removal for both residential and commercial clients. They are highly rated for their punctuality and professionalism in handling bulky waste items that regular collection services often leave behind.
8. The Standard Clean Outs
This firm has built a unique niche in the NYC “Pop-up” economy. They are experts at clearing large event spaces on tight deadlines, recently noted for their flawless work in NoHo. For facilities hosting temporary exhibitions or retail events, they are a vital logistics partner.
9. Creative Waste Solutions
Creative Waste Solutions is a highly-rated 24-hour service provider known for “top-notch” management. They offer flexible solutions for businesses that operate outside of standard hours, ensuring that waste is never an obstacle to 24/7 operations.
10. Curbside Waste NY
For smaller facilities and retail shops in Astoria and Queens, Curbside Waste NY offers a personalized touch. They are highly praised for their reliability, with customers noting they are “always on time” to both set out and return garbage cans—a small detail that prevents costly DSNY sanitation fines.
Navigating the 2026 Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ)
If you manage a business or facility in New York, the rules have shifted significantly as of early 2026:
- Identify Your Zone: Use the DSNY “Find My Zone” tool. Most of Manhattan and Brooklyn are now strictly regulated by zone-specific haulers.
- Sign an Approved Contract: You can no longer hire just any carter. You must sign a written agreement with one of the few haulers authorized for your specific zone.
- Containerization Rules: To combat the city’s rodent issues, most waste must now be set out in tightly lidded containers rather than loose bags on the curb.
- Organics Mandates: In 2026, most commercial food-service facilities are required to separate organic waste for composting or anaerobic digestion.
How to Choose a Waste Partner in 2026
- Confirm CWZ Authorization: Ensure the company is an authorized “Awardee” for your zone to avoid non-compliance fines.
- Check Diversion Reporting: In 2026, data is king. Choose a provider that offers digital reports to track your recycling and organics diversion percentages.
- Review Fleet Technology: Look for companies using AI-enabled cameras for safety and electric or low-emission trucks to meet building sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Waste management in NYC is no longer just about “taking out the trash”—it is a complex regulatory dance involving sustainability, zoning, and pest control. Whether you need the massive infrastructure of Waste Connections or the rapid junk removal of MAC Junk Removal, these top-rated 2026 providers will keep your facility clean and compliant.
