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.
Buildings with 1-9 Residential Units
As of November 12, 2024, 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
The warning period ended on January 2, 2025.
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.
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.
Buildings with 10+ Residential Units
DSNY is working on a plan to containerize trash in residential buildings of 10 or more units. Until then, these types of buildings can still use bags for trash disposal.
Buildings with 10 to 30 units will be able to choose between stationary on-street containers and smaller wheelie bins.
Buildings with 31 or more residential 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.
The first district with these containers will be Manhattan Community Board 9, beginning Spring 2025, with further expansion pending environmental review.
