Here’s what homeowners need to know about NYC’s new mandatory trash cans (2024)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Owners of most residential properties — including all single-family homes and small apartment buildings with fewer than 10 units — in the five boroughs will need to purchase mandatory trash cans as new containerization rules take effect in November.

Mayor Eric Adams announcement of the official cans came as his latest push to modernize trash collection in the five boroughs, and he hopes to deal a blow to the local rat population by depriving them of a food source.

“We all have one unified dislike, and those are those pesky New York City rats. They’re getting more and more bold. They no longer run from you. They just hang out, and just do what they want. We want to make sure we change that in a real way,” Adams said Monday. “We’re ready to do whatever it takes to cut these rodents and the mounds and mounds of plastic bags off our street.”

After the mayor’s announcement, the Advance/SILive.com received a series of emails asking about what the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is calling NYC Bin, so here’s what you need to know.

When will I need to have NYC Bins?

Starting Nov. 12, any apartment building with fewer than 10 units, including single-family homes, will need to begin using the new official cans, manufactured by a North Carolina-based company called Otto.

There will be a grace period, which Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch said should last about a month, during which home and building owners will receive warnings if their cans are not in compliance.

Until June 2026, people who already own cans under 55 gallons with secure lids will be able to continue to use those bins, but will need to switch to NYC Bin after.

What happens if I don’t comply?

Hefty fines will be in store for property owners who don’t comply with the new trash containerization rules.

A first-time fine will be $50, a second offense will cost $100, and $200 will be the penalty for all subsequent offenses.

The city recommends ordering NYC Bins by Oct. 1 to receive them by the Nov. 12 kickoff of the new containerization rules.

How much will NYC Bins cost?

Currently, Otto’s website lists two options for its trash cans that come with latching lids, wheels, a metal bar for mechanized collection, and a 10-year warranty.

The first, a 35-gallon container that holds about three kitchen garbage bags, will cost New Yorkers $45.88. The other 45-gallon container, which holds about four kitchen garbage bags, will cost $53.01.

Otto also lists same-size recycling bins at the same price points along with a 21-gallon compost bin costing $43.47.

While separate recycling bins won’t yet be mandatory, the city’s growing curbside composting program, requiring the separation of compostable materials from trash, will begin on Staten Island Oct. 26.

Residents will have to either keep those materials for at-home compost, put them out in separate containers on their trash nights, or drop them off at official Department of Sanitation (DSNY) composting bins — none of which exist on Staten Island south of New Springville.

The city selected Otto, part of a larger company called Duramax Holdings, as the manufacturer after a search began Oct. 2023 with three requirements — cans cheaper than $50 in the most common size, an availability of different sizes, and manufacturing specifications including rat resistance.

While the price tag might seem high for something New Yorkers are being forced to buy, similar cans on the market can go for $100 and up.

What if my trash doesn’t fit?

Sometimes locals can have a bit more trash than usual after a party, other occasion, or just a busy week. According to DSNY, if that happens, you’re out of luck, and will need to wait for another trash collection day.

The department includes this message on its FAQ page about the new NYC Bin program — “Property owners and managers should ensure they have sufficient bins to accommodate all trash.”

Why is Adams doing this?

Apart from the mayor’s long-battled war on rats, New York City’s trash collection methods have been severely outdated for decades.

While Staten Islanders might not be familiar with trash takeout practices in larger boroughs, mounds of black garbage bags can be found outside most buildings twice a week in neighborhoods across the city — a practice not seen in most places around the globe.

The trash collection modernization has been something of a cornerstone of Adams’s administration with businesses already being required to put their trash in containers, and a change in takeout times.

Why can’t I use my old bin?

Part of the modernization push includes DSNY’s retrofitting or replacement of collection trucks, adding mechanical tippers compatible with the new bins.

According to the department, the upgrades will speed up collection times and minimize spills that occur with manual collection. The department also claims two workers will be needed to operate the mechanism not affecting workforce numbers.

To dispose of old bins, place them upside down on recycling day with a note indicating that they are for recycling.

What if someone steals my NYC Bin?

DSNY recommends filing a police report, but says the new cans will also have space for New Yorkers to write their addresses.

What if I live in a building with more than nine units?

You’re next.

While the forthcoming requirement will be for any residential building with fewer than 10 units, other residential buildings will soon face requirements of their own.

Buildings with 10-30 units will choose between stationary on-street containers and smaller wheelie bins, and buildings with more than 30 units will need to use on-street containers, according to DSNY.