New York, NY (June 7, 2026)
New York City’s new trash bin requirement is now in effect for residential properties with one to nine units, requiring owners to use official city-issued containers when setting out garbage.
The rule began June 1 as part of the city’s broader effort to reduce piles of loose trash bags on sidewalks, improve street cleanliness, and limit rodent access to household waste. The official bins display a white Department of Sanitation logo and are designed with secure lids for curbside collection.
Although the requirement has officially started, the city is allowing a warning period before fines begin. Full enforcement is scheduled to begin September 8, after which property owners who do not comply may face penalties starting at $50.
The bins are available in several sizes, including 45-, 35-, 25-, 21-, and 13-gallon options, and can be purchased through Home Depot and select delivery platforms. The 45-gallon bin, which is recommended for larger small residential properties, costs about $50.
Some homeowners may qualify for a reimbursement of $59.30. Eligibility is limited to owners of one- and two-family homes who received the School Tax Relief property tax exemption or credit in either 2024 or 2025. Reimbursement applies only to the 45-gallon trash bin.
Owners who purchased a qualifying bin before the deadline through approved channels may apply online or by paper form. A voucher number from a Department of Finance letter is required, and those seeking reimbursement for a new purchase must also submit proof of purchase.
The deadline to request reimbursement is September 7, one day before full enforcement begins.
City officials say the standardized bins are part of a larger containerization plan aimed at removing exposed garbage bags from sidewalks. The city has already required many residential buildings to place trash in covered containers, and the official-bin mandate now expands those rules to smaller properties across the five boroughs.