The NYC containerization timeline
Information checked against NYC & DSNY sources · Last updated September 25, 2026
How we got here - and what's next
- October 2023DSNY issues the RFP for an official city bin: rat-resistant, mechanized-truck compatible, and about $50 for the most common size.
- July 8, 2024The official NYC Bin is unveiled. Manufacturer Otto Environmental Systems wins the concession agreement, keeping prices well below comparable retail bins.
- November 12, 2024Containerization rule takes effect: buildings with 1-9 residential units (plus city agencies, nonprofits, houses of worship, and professional offices in residential buildings) must set out trash in rigid bins of 55 gallons or less with tight-fitting lids. Black bags on the curb are no longer allowed for these buildings.
- January 3, 2025Fines begin for trash set out without a lidded bin: $50 first offense, $100 second, $200 third and beyond. Any secure-lidded bin still qualifies at this stage.
- June 1, 2025The Manhattan Community District 9 pilot launches: stationary on-street "Empire Bins" for buildings with 31+ units (optional for 10-30 units) in West Harlem - the model for the coming citywide rollout to large buildings.
- Fall 2025NYC Bins go on direct sale at bins.nyc. Supply problems follow: the manufacturer, Otto, is placed in involuntary bankruptcy in May 2026, and bins become hard to find for a stretch.
- June 1, 2026Official NYC Bins become mandatory for trash at all 1-9 unit properties. A summer-long warning period replaces fines while supply recovers.
- September 7, 2026Warning period ends (Labor Day). The STAR homeowner bin reimbursement window also closes this week.
- September 8, 2026Full enforcement begins for 1-9 units. DSNY starts issuing $50 summonses for trash set out in anything but an official NYC Bin.
- October 15, 2026Brooklyn CD2's larger-building bin deadline. Buildings with 31+ units must use assigned Empire Bins. Buildings with 10-30 units without Empire Bins must use official NYC Bins for trash. Manhattan CD9's 10-30 unit buildings without Empire Bins have needed official NYC Bins since June 1, 2026.
What's coming for larger buildings
The rule depends on your district. In Manhattan CD9, 31+ unit buildings already use assigned Empire Bins. In Brooklyn CD2, 31+ unit buildings must use them by October 15, 2026. For 10-30 unit buildings in Manhattan CD9 without an Empire Bin, official NYC Bins have been required since June 1, 2026. For 10-30 unit buildings in Brooklyn CD2 without an Empire Bin, the official NYC Bin deadline is October 15. The Empire Bin opt-in period closed July 31. Elsewhere, DSNY is rolling out larger-building containerization district by district, targeting citywide completion by June 1, 2032. Check your district and DSNY notice before buying bins.
Sources: DSNY Residential Containerization · DSNY Press Release #26-035 · Adopted rule (PDF) · DSNY Manhattan CD9 guide · DSNY Brooklyn CD2 guide · Adopted 10+ unit rule