New York City Department of Sanitation311Search all NYC.gov websites
M9 Containerization Pilot
Manhattan Community District 9 (M9) has become the first NYC neighborhood to containerize 100% of its trash. Larger residential properties – all with 31 or more residential units, and some with 10-30 residential units – must place their trash out for collection in Empire Bins, NYC's new European-style on-street containers, rather than in bags directly on the curb.
As of June 1, 2025, ALL residential properties in Manhattan's Community District 9 are required to put their trash in bins.
Having trouble with an Empire Bin or access card?
The bins your property uses is determined based on the number of residential units.
Learn more about using:
Empire Bins
Properties with 31+ units are REQUIRED to use Empire Bins for trash.
Properties with 10-30 units were given a choice between using Empire Bins or individual bins for their trash.
Empire Bins are stationary, on-street containers assigned to a specific property, solely for the use of that property. These bins are locked, accessible only by building staff and waste managers using access cards assigned to the bins. Each Empire Bin can hold approximately four cubic yards of waste, serviced by new DSNY side-loading trucks.
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
Using Your Empire Bin and Access Card
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
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.
Individual Bins
Properties with 10-30 units were given a choice between using Empire Bins or individual bins for their trash.
As of June 1, 2025, 10-30 buildings without Empire Bins must set out trash in individual bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids. You can use your own or purchase Official NYC Bins.
Properties with 1-9 units are REQUIRED to set out their trash in bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids.
This citywide requirement began on November 12, 2024.
Learn more about residential waste containerization and the Official NYC Bins.
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.
Hamilton Heights Containerization
Hamilton Heights was the first neighborhood in NYC to take part in a new program to get trash bags off the street and into bins.
On June 1, 2025, the program transitioned to become part of the M9 Containerization Pilot.
NOTE: As of June 1, properties are REQUIRED to use either Empire Bins or individual bins.
Learn more about the Hamilton Heights Containerization program.