New York City Department of Sanitation311Search all NYC.gov websites
Residential Waste Containerization
New York City is finally removing the mountains of black bags from our streets, reclaiming public space and improving quality of life.
Properties with 1-9 residential units, as well as special-use buildings receiving DSNY collection – including City agencies, nonprofits, houses of worship, and professional offices in residential buildings – are required to use bins for trash setout.
As of June 1, these properties are REQUIRED to use only official NYC Bins for trash set out. A warning period will be in effect through September 7. Full enforcement of the NYC Bin requirements for trash will begin Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
NYC is moving towards containerizing ALL residential trash. Find out what's next for properties with 10+ residential units.
Residential Properties with 1-9 Units
As of June 2026, all properties with 1-9 residential units are now required to use official NYC Bins for trash set out.
If you are using any other bins with a secure lids that is 55 gallons or less for trash set out, you have until Tuesday, September 8, 2026 to switch to official NYC Bins.
Learn more about NYC Bin requirements.
Official NYC Bins
Official NYC Bins are available for trash, recycling, and composting.
Residential Properties with 10+ Units
NYC has begun rolling out a program for containerizing trash for larger residential properties.
Properties with 31 or more residential units will be required to use Empire Bins (European-style stationary, on-street containers) for their trash. These bins are assigned to specific buildings, opened with key cards, and serviced by DSNY's new automated side-loading garbage trucks.
Properties with 10 to 30 units will choose between Empire Bins and official NYC Bins for trash.
Empire Bins are currently in use in Manhattan Community District 9 (M9). The program is expanding to Brooklyn Community District 2 (BK2) in the fall, with a plan to be citywide by the of 2031.