Beginning on November 12, 2024, New York City will begin requiring residents in one-to-nine family homes to set out trash for collection in securely covered bins, says Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights).

A main purpose of the new requirement is to eliminate the ubiquitous black trash bags on city streets, with the goals of making the city cleaner and discouraging rats.

“To be in compliance with city regulations, starting this fall, all homeowners must put their garbage in covered bins that are 55 gallons or less in size,” explains Assemblyman Colton. This is just the first step in a citywide shift to the exclusive use of official NYC trash bins that will be compatible with equipment that will be added to DSNY trash collection trucks, to make the process of picking up trash smoother, and to minimize spillage, he adds. “You can continue using any securely-lidded garbage bins until June, 2026, when you will be required to use only the official NYC Bin.”

The NYC Bin – which can be purchased only by New York City property owners and building managers at www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS -- will be required only for trash; ones designated for recycling and compost will also be available for purchase but, according to DSNY, are not required to be used. Prices for the NYC Bin for trash range from $45.88 for a 35-gallon bin to $53.01 for a 45-gallon bin.

Assemblyman Colton reminds residents that, after November 12, 2024, the city can impose fines for not using covered trash bins. These range from $50 for a first offense to $100 for a second offense to $200 for a third or subsequent offense.

For residents who have questions about the policy, DSNY will be holding a series of information sessions over the next two months. Go to https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/containerization/residential-containerization.page for dates and times, and to register.