New Trash Collection Rules for New York City

A new chapter has begun for waste management in New York City. As of this week, residents living in private homes and small apartment buildings are now required to place their garbage in bins equipped with lids, as mandated by the city. Ideally, these bins should be the official “NYC Bins” provided by the Sanitation Department.

The implementation of these new regulations marks the end of a long-standing practice that allowed New Yorkers to leave their overflowing garbage bags on the sidewalks. This change aims to reduce the city’s ongoing battle with rats, which have thrived on the easy access to trash. Here’s everything you need to know about the updated trash collection rules:

Who needs to start using trash bins?

All property owners of buildings with fewer than 10 residential units, including single-family homes, are required to comply. It is the responsibility of landlords, rather than tenants, to ensure that the buildings are equipped with appropriate trash bins. These rules also extend to various types of establishments that utilize city trash collection, such as houses of worship, certain nonprofit organizations, and professional offices located in residential buildings.

What if I already own a trash bin?

If you currently have a suitable trash bin, you can continue using it temporarily, provided it has a secure lid and can hold 55 gallons or fewer. However, by June 2026, you must transition to using the official NYC Bin.

How can I obtain an official NYC Bin, and what is the cost?

You can easily order your NYC Bin by visiting bins.nyc. The 45-gallon bin, which can accommodate up to four kitchen garbage bags, is priced at $54.60, including a $1.59 processing fee, plus tax. Alternatively, the 35-gallon model, which holds up to three bags, costs $47.26, including a $1.38 processing fee, plus tax. The city claims that these bins are available at a significantly lower price than comparable bins in retail stores. However, this assertion has been met with skepticism, as similar bins at Home Depot are priced around $37.97. Regardless, residents will eventually need to switch to an NYC Bin. The city reports that nearly 400,000 bins have been sold since July, encompassing both recycling and compost bins.

Do I need to purchase the city’s official recycling and compost bins as well?

No, the recycling and compost bins are optional, but they can also be ordered through bins.nyc.

What happens if I continue to put my trash bags on the sidewalk?

Beginning January 2, if you are found placing trash bags directly on the sidewalk, you may incur a fine of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $200 for the third and all subsequent offenses.

I’m a landlord with a nine-unit building. How many bins do I need?

The city advises that you should have “enough bins to accommodate all trash” generated by your building.

What about larger buildings with 10 or more units?

For these buildings, containerization rules will be implemented in the coming spring, giving landlords a heads-up for compliance.

Do I need to line my bins with a bag?

While it is not mandatory to line your bins with a bag, doing so can help maintain cleanliness.

How can I dispose of my old trash bins?

You can recycle your old bins by placing them upside-down on the sidewalk during recycling night.