Empire Bins

Empire Bins are on-street sealed trash containers for larger apartment buildings and schools.

Currently used in Manhattan Community District 9 and parts of Brooklyn Community District 2, these bins are assigned to specific buildings. They are opened with key cards and emptied using new DSNY side-loading collection trucks.

DSNY plans to complete the Brooklyn Community District 2 roll out later this year. The next districts scheduled to receive bins are Brooklyn Community Board 8, Bronx Community Board 2 and 5, Manhattan Community Board 2, Queens Community Board 2 and Staten Island Community Board 1.

Using Your Empire Bin and Access Card

Having trouble with an Empire Bin or access card?

Report an Issue

Your access cards are assigned to you, and only unlock the Empire Bins for your building. Empire Bins are accessible by building staff and waste managers ONLY. Residents should not have access to Empire Bins and should continue to bring waste to your building's designated collection area.

To unlock your Empire Bin:

• Hold the access card over the card reader
• The lights on the reader will turn green and the reader will beep.
• This will unlock the bin, allowing you to use the foot, hand, or lid levers to open the bin.
• After you place your trash inside, close the lid, and the Empire Bin will lock.
  

How To Use Your Empire Bin Access Card

Report an Issue

Building owners and waste management of properties with Empire Bins installed for their use can report issues with their Empire Bins or access cards.

Submit an Empire Bin service request

Setting Out Trash

• Trash can be placed in the bins any time of day. Your trash collection schedule has not changed.
• Place bagged trash ONLY into the bin – NO recycling or compost.
• If you have large (bulky) items that cannot fit into the Empire Bin, leave them at the curb in front of your building. DO NOT block the Empire Bins.
• DO NOT leave bags of trash outside the Empire Bin. Property managers are responsible for putting all trash in their building's Empire Bins and keeping the area surrounding the bin clean, well-maintained, and clear of litter.
• DSNY maintains your Empire Bin and empties it using an automated side-loading vehicle.
  

Large Items

Have something bulky that won't fit in the bin? That's okay! Leave it in front of your building and we will pick it up from there.

Individual Bins

You are required to set trash out in bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids, if your property is:

• 1-9 residential units
• 10-30 residential units without Empire Bins

Right now, you can use your own or purchase official NYC Bins. Starting June 2026, you will be REQUIRED to use official NYC Bins for trash set out.

Learn more about official NYC Bins.