JFA Update: Trash Rules in Effect for New York City

New trash regulations have been introduced across New York City, requiring residents to change how they handle waste. Starting Tuesday, November 12, buildings with nine or fewer residential units must place trash in bins with secure lids. This new rule will impact approximately 70% of the city’s waste, as around 765,000 buildings (about 95% of residential properties) will be covered by these container requirements.

Key Changes:

• Household trash must be placed in leak-proof bins with tightly fitting lids. (Under the old rules, trash could be placed in bags outside of a container after 8 p.m., but this is no longer allowed.)
• The bins must be no larger than 55 gallons.
• Bins should be in good condition and must have a secure lid.
• Trash must be placed on the curb after 6 p.m.
• Recycling can still be placed in bins or clear bags.

Important Dates and Fines:

• A warning period is in effect from November 12, 2024, through January 2, 2025.
• After January 2, 2025, fines will be issued for noncompliance:
  • First offense: $50
  • Second offense: $100
  • Subsequent offenses: $200
• If you already use a secure-lidded bin (55 gallons or less) for trash, you may continue using it until June 2026. After that, you will need to switch to the official NYC trash bin.
• You can purchase bins online at: https://www.bins.nyc

Additional Requirements:

• If your trash pickup is before 4 p.m., you must retrieve bins by 9 p.m. on the same day.
• If your pickup is after 4 p.m., you must retrieve bins by 9 a.m. the following morning.
• Trash cannot be placed in bags outside of bins, even after 8 p.m.

Important Considerations:

• We’ve raised concerns with Sanitation and City Hall regarding residents with Friday and Shabbos pickups who observe Shabbos and Yom Tov. We’re waiting for a response and hope this will be resolved before enforcement begins.

Buildings with 10+ Residential Units:

• DSNY is planning to implement containerization for trash in buildings with 10 or more units.
  • Buildings with 10-30 units will choose between stationary on-street containers or smaller wheelie bins.
  • Buildings with 31 or more units will be required to use stationary, on-street containers, serviced by automated side-loading garbage trucks.
  • The first district to receive these containers will be Manhattan Community Board 9 in Spring 2025, with further expansion pending environmental review.

Recycling and Composting:

• Official NYC bins for recycling and composting are available for purchase, but they are not required.

These rules also apply to special-use buildings receiving DSNY collection, including City agencies, nonprofits, houses of worship, and professional offices in residential buildings.