New York City Halts Sanitation Services on October 12 Holiday

New York City will suspend trash, composting and recycling collection on Monday, October 12, 2026, as the city observes Italian Heritage Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day, while federal and state services across the United States adjust operations for the same holiday date.

The New York City Department of Sanitation said residents with Monday collection schedules can place materials at the curb Monday evening for pickup beginning Tuesday, October 13. The agency warned that holiday-related delays may occur as crews clear the backlog.

According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, the pause affects regular trash, curbside composting and recycling services. The department also noted that its workers will participate in the annual Columbus Day parade and clean the route before and after festivities.

Across the country, holiday schedules will affect several public services. USA Today reported that the United States Postal Service will close post offices for retail transactions and suspend regular residential and business mail deliveries on Monday, October 12.

USPS offices are expected to reopen Tuesday with normal operating hours that may vary by location, according to AL.com. Priority Mail Express service remains available throughout the year, including federal holidays.

Most major banks will close in-person branches because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, according to USA Today and AL.com. Customers can still use ATMs and online banking, though some transactions may not process until the next business day.

Package delivery services will operate differently from postal services. USA Today reported that UPS pickup and delivery services will be available, while AL.com noted that some UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries may require an additional business day because of the USPS closure.

FedEx pickup and delivery services will continue on October 12 with modified operations, according to USA Today and AL.com. FedEx Office locations will also remain open, while Amazon deliveries are expected to continue, AL.com reported.

The holiday combines Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day observances on the same date in 2026. Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1892, while Indigenous Peoples' Day has been adopted by some cities and states as an observance recognizing Native American communities.

AL.com reported that Alabama recognizes Columbus Day alongside American Indian Heritage Day and Fraternal Day, creating a three-way holiday observance in the state. Fraternal Day was adopted by the Alabama Legislature in 1915 and later moved to coincide with Columbus Day.