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Clean Curbs for BIDs

We work with local communities to get garbage bags off city sidewalks and away from hungry rodents. In collaboration with the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), the Clean Curbs program has allowed Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), to install sealed, rodent-proof containers on approved City property. These containers store waste awaiting collection, reduce the piles of bags taking up sidewalk space, and help make the city cleaner and safer.

In the Clean Curbs program, participants are responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining their own containers. We may service a BID's Clean Curbs container if we are already servicing its public litter bags.

Requirements, standard operating procedures, and best practices for this program may be revised at any time.

NOTE: We are no longer accepting commercial applications.

Program Requirements

Please review all program information and requirements before applying.

Eligibility

The Clean Curbs program is only available to BIDs. The Commercial Clean Curbs Pilot has ended.

Prior to installation, all Clean Curb sites require:

  1. A completed application
  2. Approval by DSNY and NYC DOT
  3. Written notification mailed to the adjacent property owner(s) and local Community Board(s), and;
  4. A signed maintenance agreement & DSNY approval of container wrap design

The cost of purchasing, installing, maintaining, and removing the container(s) are solely the responsibility of the applicant.

This program does not impact the NYC DOT Commercial Refuse Container Program, which will continue to permit containers in the roadway for non-putrescible waste.

Site Selection

All potential Clean Curb sites are expected to be both Design safe and practical. Container sites must adhere to NYC DOT Street Manual Furniture Siting Guidelines, and ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. NYC DOT may require the entity to move a container to a new location. The cost of moving the container shall be borne by the entity.

Curb Lane Sites

Curbs with alternate street parking regulations are preferred.

Containers CANNOT be installed in the following locations due to safety/traffic concerns or existing curb use:

  • Crosswalks
  • Bus stops
  • Curb cuts
  • Citi Bike stations
  • 15' from fire hydrants
  • Curbs used as travel lanes (all times or during certain hours)
  • Curb lanes immediately adjacent to a bus lane
  • Curb lanes immediately adjacent to conventional bike lanes
  • Utility access points (e.g. manholes, utility hatches, etc.)
  • Speed humps or speed cushions
  • Special parking circumstances (e.g. taxi stands, curbs in front of hotels, funeral homes, schools, religious institutions, theaters, medical facilities, and other locations with special curb access needs)
  • Open Restaurants locations
  • Street Seats

Container Placement

  • Keep at least 15 feet in the roadway available for emergency vehicle access
  • Keep containers within 7 feet from the curb line and do not block a travel lane
  • Maintain site lines from crosswalks and curb cuts
  • Maintain 6-inch minimum clearance between the curb and the container (if flush with the roadway surface) to allow for adequate drainage
  • Prevent street damage by placing proper covering (e.g. planking, skids, plating, or pneumatic tires) to adequately distribute the weight
    • All protective coverings must be complete before the container is installed
  • Container must be accessible from the sidewalk for the safety of loading material into the container

Container Specifications

Container Size

  • Maximum length of 20 feet
  • Maximum height of 5 feet
  • Maximum width of 6 ½ feet

Container Design

  • Non-flammable, fully enclosed, and rodent-proof
  • Marked with high intensity reflective paint, reflectors, or other markings capable of producing a warning glow when struck by vehicle head lamps or other source of illumination from 300 feet
    • Prismatic sheeting or reflectors is recommended
  • Wraps must
    • Be steel grey in appearance
    • Only display BID name and/or logo in white (NO ADVERTISEMENTS)
    • Display information about container's purpose/use
    • Be submitted to DSNY for approval, before installation
  • Graffiti proof-wraps are not required but suggested

Application

Eligible BIDs can apply online to participate in the Clean Curbs program.

Application Process

BIDs must:

  • Review siting and container requirements before applying
  • Coordinate with vendor to determine bin size, type, placement, and quantity
  • Complete the application.

DSNY will review your application and coordinate approval with NYC DOT. We will contact you with any questions or concerns.

Once approved, BIDS:

  • Notify Community Board and adjacent properties (mail via USPS certified mail). 
  • Submit proof of delivery to DSNY.

Within 2 weeks of proof of delivery, installation can begin.

Apply to participate in the Clean Curbs program