The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has new containerization rules for residential non-recyclable trash disposal.
The goal is to remove black trash bags from the City’s streets, reclaim public spaces, and improve quality of life for all New Yorkers.
Learn more about the residential trash containerization rules.
Buildings with 1-9 Residential Units
All New York City properties with 1-9 residential units must use a bin (55 gallons or less) with a secure lid for trash.
These new rules also apply to special-use buildings receiving DSNY collection, including:
- City agencies
- Nonprofits
- Houses of worship
- Professional offices in residential buildings
Beginning June 2026, all properties with 1-9 residential units will be required to use the official NYC Bin for trash set out.
Learn how to purchase official NYC Bins on the Trash, Recycling, and Compost Bins page.
Recycling and Compost Bins
Official NYC Bins for recycling and composting are also available for purchase. However, you can continue to use any labeled bin (55 gallons or less) with a secure lid for recycling and compost disposal.
Enforcement
Failure to use a bin that is 55 gallons or less with a secure lid for non-recyclable trash set out will result in fines:
- $50 for the first offense
- $100 for the second offense
- $200 for the third and subsequent offenses
Public Safety Hazard Evaluation Request
In extremely rare cases, using containers as required by rule may pose a public safety risk to pedestrians. If you believe this may apply to your property, you can request a Public Safety Hazard Evaluation from DSNY to determine eligibility for an alternate set-out solution.
Submit a Public Safety Hazard Evaluation Request.
Accessibility Request
Following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, DSNY ensures all have access to their programs by providing services and modifications to current policies or procedures. You can submit an accessibility request due to an unreasonable hardship.
Submit an accessibility request.
Buildings with 10+ Residential Units
DSNY is working to containerize trash in residential buildings of 10 or more units. Larger residential properties will place their trash out for collection in Empire Bins, NYC's new European-style on-street containers, rather than in bags directly on the curb.
Residential buildings with:
- 10 to 30 units will be able to choose between stationary on-street containers and smaller wheelie bins.
- 31 or more units will be required to use stationary, on-street containers for their trash, serviced by DSNY's new automated side-loading garbage trucks. On-street containers will be assigned to a specific building, solely for residents of that building.
Only building staff and DSNY will have access cards to unlock the Empire Bins. Bins are assigned to individual buildings for their exclusive use.
Trash Containerization Expansion Plan
Currently, Manhattan Community District 9 (West Harlem) is the first fully containerized district.
Brooklyn Community District 2 (Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Fulton Ferry, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Brooklyn Navy Yard) is scheduled to receive Empire Bins in Fall 2026.
The following community districts will receive Empire Bins by the end of 2027:
- Brooklyn Community District 8 (Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Weeksville)
- Bronx Community District 2 (Hunts Point, Longwood)
- Bronx Community District 5 (University Heights, Mount Hope, Morris Heights, Fordham Heights)
- Manhattan Community District 2 (West Village, SoHo, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, Nolita)
- Queens Community District 2 (Sunnyside, Hunters Point, Woodside)
- Staten Island Community District 1 (North Shore)
Until the new Empire Bins are installed in these districts, buildings can still use bags for trash disposal.
DSNY is committing to full citywide trash containerization by end of 2031.
Assistance for Property Owners in Manhattan Community District 9
Property owners and managers in Manhattan Community District 9 can request assistance online with Empire Bins and access cards.
Learn more about the M9 Containerization Pilot.
Get answers to FAQs about the program.
