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NYC garbage can rules, made simple.

NYC garbage can rules. Made simple.

Confused about the new official NYC Bins? You're in the right place. We track the rules, deadlines, enforcement and availability so you don't have to.

Information checked against NYC & DSNY sources · Last updated September 25, 2026
In effect now

Enforcement is live. Since Tuesday, September 8, 2026, DSNY is ticketing properties with 1-9 residential units that set out trash in anything other than an official NYC Bin. Fines start at $50.

Right now

What you need to know right now

Who needs the new bins?
Every building with 1-9 residential units - houses through nine-unit buildings. About 750,000 buildings citywide.
Full answer
Do I have to buy the official NYC Bin?
Yes, for trash. No other can counts anymore. Recycling and compost bins are still your choice.
Full answer
Are they giving tickets yet?
Yes. Ticketing started September 8, 2026: $50 first offense, $100 second, $200 after that.
Full answer
Where do I get one?
Every NYC Home Depot, homedepot.com/NYCBins for pickup, or delivery via DoorDash, Instacart or Uber Eats.
The full guide
How much do they cost?
25 gal $45.19 · 35 gal $47.25 · 45 gal $54.60 (prices as of May 2026).
Full answer
I already bought new cans. Now what?
They no longer count for trash - but they're fine for recycling or yard waste. Yes, it changed again. Here's what that means.
Full answer
When do bins go out?
After 6:00 PM the evening before collection, and by midnight at the latest.
Full answer
I'm a renter. Is this my problem?
Legally, no. The owner or manager buys the bins and pays the fines. In practice, you're the one using them.
Full answer

What changed

What changed

Understood this a while ago? Just tell you what's different now.

  • Sep 8Ticketing began for 1-9 unit buildings without official NYC Bins ($50 first offense). The summer warning period is over.
  • Sep 8The STAR homeowner bin reimbursement window closed. Applications were accepted through September 8, 2026.
  • Aug 26DSNY confirmed bins are in stock at every Home Depot in the five boroughs, and priced below comparable retail bins.
See the full timeline →

Your property

What rules apply to me?

Pick the property type. You get the rule, the deadline, the enforcement status, and what you actually need to do.

Residential, 1-9 units

Houses, brownstones, and buildings up to nine apartments - plus houses of worship, nonprofits, and professional offices in residential buildings on DSNY collection.
The rule
Trash must be set out in official NYC Bins only. Mandatory since June 1, 2026.
Enforcement
Live since Sept 8, 2026. $50 first offense, $100 second, $200 third and beyond.
Recycling & compost
No official bin required. Any labeled bin (55 gal max), or clear bags for recycling.
Who's responsible
The property owner or manager - for buying the bins and for the fines.
What you actually need to do
Count your weekly trash, buy enough official NYC Bins to hold it (25/35/45 gal, $45-$55 each), and set them out after 6 PM. How to actually get a bin →
Sources: DSNY Residential Containerization · DSNY PR #26-035

Residential, 10+ units

Rules depend on your district. Check yours before buying bins.
Manhattan CD9
West Harlem's 31+ unit buildings already use assigned on-street Empire Bins.
Brooklyn CD2
Buildings with 31+ units must use assigned Empire Bins by October 15, 2026.
10-30 units in both districts
In Manhattan CD9, buildings without Empire Bins have needed official NYC Bins since June 1, 2026. In Brooklyn CD2, buildings without Empire Bins must use them by October 15, 2026.
Elsewhere
DSNY is rolling out larger-building containerization district by district, targeting citywide completion by June 2032.
What you actually need to do
Check whether your building is in Manhattan CD9 or Brooklyn CD2. If it has 10-30 units and no assigned Empire Bin, get enough official NYC Bins for all its trash: now in Manhattan CD9, by October 15 in Brooklyn CD2. In another district, check your DSNY notice before buying bins. See the timeline →
Sources: DSNY Manhattan CD9 guide · DSNY Brooklyn CD2 guide · Adopted rule for 10+ unit buildings

Commercial / business

Every NYC business that sets out waste at the curb. (Businesses with loading-dock collection are exempt.)
The rule
Since March 1, 2024, all trash, food and food-soiled paper must be in a bin with a secure lid. No bags on the curb.
Official NYC Bin?
Not required. Any rigid bin with a tight-fitting lid qualifies.
Capacity
Enough bins to hold 72 hours of waste.
Set-out
1 hour before closing, or after 8:00 PM.
What you actually need to do
Make sure your business has enough lidded bins for three days of waste, and that whoever closes puts them out at the right time. Any good lidded bin works.
Source: DSNY Commercial Setout & Containers

The practical part

How to actually get an official NYC Bin

NYC publishes the rule. We follow it to your front door: which size, how many, where they're in stock, and how to get one home without a car.

  1. Pick a size

    45 gal holds about 4 kitchen bags ($54.60), 35 gal about 3 ($47.25), 25 gal about 2 ($45.19). Buy enough to hold everything between collections - there's no limit on bins.

  2. Buy it

    Every Home Depot in the five boroughs stocks them. Order ahead for in-store pickup at homedepot.com/NYCBins.

  3. No car? Get it delivered

    Order from your local Home Depot through DoorDash, Instacart, or Uber Eats for same-day home delivery.

  4. Label it

    Every NYC Bin looks identical. Mark yours with your address before it goes out - see below.

Read the full guide, with costs and backup options →

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Go deeper

Guides & the record

Every question, answered
Renters, owners, sizes, set-out times, liners, recycling, compost, old cans, and the fine schedule.
The full rollout timeline
From the 2023 RFP to enforcement day - every deadline, postponement and policy change, with sources.
News & updates
Enforcement start, the Otto bankruptcy and supply crunch, the reimbursement window closing.
Get an official NYC Bin
The complete how-to: sizes, prices, stores, delivery, and what to do if they're sold out.