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Empire Bins FAQ

General Information

Why?

DSNY is committed to making New York City cleaner and healthier by removing bags of trash on the street and reducing rats – improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. "Containerization" is putting waste into bins to prevent trash bags from being ripped open by rats and other pests. Bins make it harder for rats to find food. We are committed to fighting rats and making our streets cleaner.


What kind of trash bins should my building use?

As of June 1, 2026, all properties with 1-9 residential units must use official NYC Bins for trash setout.


Does my recycling and compost need to be in bins?

Recyclables (plastic, glass, metal, cartons, and paper) do not need to be set out in bins. Properties can use bins or clear plastic bags for recycling.

Composting is mandatory across New York City, and all food waste must be separated from the trash. Any food waste set out for collection must be in a bin, 55 gallons or less, with a secure lid and labeled as compost, separate from the trash. Yard waste can be set out in bins, clear plastic bags, or paper lawn bags.

Bins containing trash, recycling, or compost may be set out at the curb early as 6:00 PM. Any bagged recycling or yard waste must be set out after 8:00 PM.


Can I park near Empire Bins?

Yes, residents can park in legal parking spots near the bins.

DO NOT double park near bins. This can obstruct DSNY operations and prevent us from servicing bins on schedule.

NOTE: You MUST leave at least FOUR CAR-LENGTHS free from double parking on either side of a bin.


What's Next?

Manhattan Community District 9 (M9) was the first district in the city to containerize ALL trash. Empire Bins will be installed in Brooklyn Community District 2 (BK2) in fall 2026.

The next districts scheduled to receive bins are:

  • Bronx Community Board 2 and 5
  • Queens Community Board 2
  • Manhattan Community Board 2
  • Brooklyn Community Board 8
  • Staten Island Community Board 1

The Citywide Containerization Program is on track to be completed by the end of 2031.


Empire Bins

What is an Empire Bin?

Empire Bins are stationary, on-street trash containers assigned to a specific building, to be used only for that building's trash. They were installed with consideration of existing street infrastructure and serviced by DSNY's new automated side-loading trucks.


Can residents access the Empire Bins?

No, only building staff with access cards and DSNY have access cards to unlock the bins. Empire Bins are assigned to individual buildings for their exclusive use.


How should I report problems with my access cards or Empire Bins?

You can fill out the Empire Bin Service Request form.

Learn more about using your Empire Bin and Access Card.


How much trash can a single Empire Bin hold?

Empire Bins can hold approximately four cubic yards of waste, or 793 gallons. This is about 25 large 32-gallon trash bags or 61 small 13-gallon kitchen trash bags. Some buildings may need more than one Empire Bin.


What if I have more trash than can fit in my Empire Bin(s) due to service delays or an excess of trash?

Your Empire Bins can hold more material than your property typically needs. If you believe the capacity is not sufficient, let us know by filling out an Empire Bin Service Request form. DSNY will determine if additional Empire Bins are needed.


If my building has multiple Empire Bins, does the same access card work on all our bins?

Yes.


What should I do with items that don't fit into the Empire Bin?

Large trash items, like furniture or wrapped mattresses, can be placed at the curb in front of your building on your trash-only collection day.


Can my building report illegal dumping on or near Empire Bins?

Property owners are responsible for cleaning 18" into the street, the ground around the Empire Bin, and for ensuring the Empire Bin is kept clean, clear of trash, litter, graffiti, vermin, or other unsanitary conditions.

DSNY is responsible for cleaning and maintenance of the Empire Bin itself.

Contact 311 to report problems with:

  • Chronic littering
  • Illegal dumping (over one-cubic yard of waste emptied by a vehicle)

Official NYC Bins

Who must use official NYC Bins for trash?
  • ALL 10-30 unit buildings in M9 and BK2 that DID NOT request an Empire Bins
  • ALL 1-9 unit buildings citywide

Properties with 10-30 residential units in M9 and BK2 are given the opportunity to apply for Empire Bins. If your property does not receive Empire Bins, you MUST use official NYC Bins for trash.


Can I still use my own trash bins?

As of June 1, properties with 1-9 residential units are REQUIRED to use only official NYC Bins for trash set out. A warning period will be in effect through September 7. Full enforcement of the NYC Bin requirements for trash will begin Tuesday, September 8, 2026.


Can I use the Empire Bins on my block?

Empire Bins are assigned to individual buildings for their exclusive use. Only building staff with access cards and DSNY can unlock the bins.


Do I need to use official NYC Bins for recycling and composting?

NYC Bins are available for all waste collection, including recycling and composting, but they are only required for trash.