Change isn’t easy. Neither is controlling the rat population. In the latest effort to do the latter NYC Department of Sanitation has required all properties with one to nine residential units to use bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids for trash set out.
Earlier they altered trash set out times to happen later in the evening to give the rats a smaller window to access the piles of curbed plastic garbage bags. Plastic bags are no match for a determined rat, but bins with secure lids are, although there are reports rats have gnawed through the plastic.
Secure-lidded garbage bins became a requirement on November 12, 2024. Since then, I’ve often witnessed one bin and several plastic garbage bags piled next to the bin. Residents have raised there is an issue with finding storage space for multiple bins.
Once January 2, 2025 arrives the warning period ends. A failure to use an authorized bin for trash set out will result in fines: $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $200 for the third and subsequent offenses. The DSNY will no longer excuse bags left on the street, even if there is the occasional excess due to a party. They are adamant that, “Property owners and managers should ensure they have sufficient bins to accommodate all trash.”
The bins do not need to be lined with a garbage bag. However, many residents have found the separate bags in the bin have caused an issue as sometimes DSNY workers have not completely emptied the bin and have left behind trash bags in the bottom. When this occurs it is recommended to call the NYC 311 hotline to report a missed collection and explain that trash was left in your bin.
DSNY is also requiring that by June 1, 2026 all trash must be contained in an official NYC Bin. They are available for purchase at a significantly lower price than similar bins at retail stores. They can be purchased at www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS and are also available at every Home Depot in New York City, for the same price offered online.
The Greenline 