Frequently asked questions
Information checked against NYC & DSNY sources · Last updated September 25, 2026
Do I really have to buy the city's official bin? I already own a perfectly good can.
Yes, for trash. As of June 1, 2026, buildings with 1-9 residential units must set out trash only in official NYC Bins, and since September 8, 2026, using anything else brings a $50 fine. Your old can can be repurposed for recycling or yard waste.
I already bought new cans. Now what?
Yes, it changed again. If you bought lidded cans after the November 2024 rule, those cans no longer count for trash - as of June 1, 2026 only official NYC Bins do, and since September 8, 2026 the fine is $50. Your cans aren't wasted, though: they still qualify for recycling or compost (any labeled bin with a lid, 55 gal or less), and they're fine for yard waste or storage.
Who exactly is covered by the rule?
All properties with 1-9 residential units - one- and two-family homes through nine-unit buildings. City agencies, nonprofits, houses of worship, and professional offices in residential buildings that receive DSNY collection are covered too. For 10+ units, check your district: Manhattan CD9 already uses Empire Bins for 31+ unit buildings; Brooklyn CD2 starts October 15, 2026. In Manhattan CD9, 10-30 unit buildings without Empire Bins have needed official NYC Bins since June 1, 2026. In Brooklyn CD2, those buildings must use official NYC Bins by October 15. See the timeline for steps.
I'm a renter. Is this my problem?
Legally, no - the property owner or building manager is responsible for purchasing the bins, ensuring there are enough of them for all the building's trash, and paying any fines. In practice, you'll be the one putting trash in them, so if your building still lacks bins, it's worth flagging to your landlord.
How much do the bins cost and where do I get one?
25 gallon $45.19 · 35 gallon $47.25 · 45 gallon $54.60 (prices as of May 2026). Buy at any NYC Home Depot, order in-store pickup at homedepot.com/NYCBins, or get home delivery through DoorDash, Instacart, or Uber Eats. DSNY says trash bins are in stock at every Home Depot in the five boroughs.
Which size should I buy - and how many?
45-gal holds about 4 kitchen trash bags and suits multi-unit buildings; 35-gal (3 bags) suits a small single-family home; 25-gal (2 bags) is for tight spaces. There's no limit on bins - buy enough to hold everything your household or building generates between collections. All trash must fit inside bins; nothing can sit on the curb loose.
What are the fines, exactly?
$50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, $200 for each one after that. These have applied to missing or loose trash setout since January 3, 2025; as of September 8, 2026 they apply specifically to not using the official NYC Bin.
When do I put the bin out?
After 6:00 PM the evening before your collection day, and by midnight at the latest. Check your collection schedule on nyc.gov.
What about recycling?
No official bin required. Metal/glass/plastic/cartons and paper can go in any labeled bin (55 gal or less), or in clear plastic bags. Official blue (metal/glass/plastic) and green (paper) NYC Bins exist if you want them - optional, and sold at select Home Depot stores.
What about compost?
Curbside composting is separate and still mandatory citywide, but any sealed, clearly labeled bin of 55 gallons or less works - no official bin required. Official 13-gal and 21-gal compost NYC Bins are optional. Line compost bins only with clear plastic, paper, or compostable bags.
Do I need to line the trash bin with a bag?
No. A liner keeps the bin cleaner, but it isn't required.
I heard the bin company went bankrupt. Are bins even available?
Otto Environmental Systems, the original manufacturer, was placed in involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy in May 2026, which caused a supply crunch and was a big reason for the summer warning period. DSNY says bins are now reliably in stock at all NYC Home Depot stores (current Home Depot listings carry the official bin under the Edge brand). About 1.1 million bins have been purchased to date.
Wasn't there a reimbursement program?
Yes - owners of one- and two-family homes who received the STAR property tax exemption or credit in 2024 or 2025 could get reimbursed for one 45-gallon bin. The window closed the week of September 7-8, 2026. If you bought through Otto directly, the Department of Finance was sending checks automatically; Home Depot and delivery-app purchases required an application.
What if I have extra trash that won't fit (party, renovation, spring cleaning)?
The official answer is blunt: have enough bins. DSNY says property owners must ensure sufficient bin capacity for all trash. Bulk items (furniture, appliances) still follow the separate bulk-collection rules.
How do I keep my bin from walking off?
(Sponsor note - this is literally why Primo Cans exists.) Every NYC Bin looks identical, and bins get mixed up, borrowed, and taken. A permanent, weatherproof address label is the simplest fix. Primo Cans makes custom labels sized for the official NYC Bin.