M9 Containerization Pilot

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 will be 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.

Property owners/managers:

DSNY will notify you by email about your Empire Bin installation. You can pick up your access cards from the Manhattan Community Board 9 office:

Manhattan Community Board 9 Office
3295 Broadway (corner of W 133 and Broadway)
New York, NY 10027
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

You can also pick up access cards from the installation team in your neighborhood Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

To retrieve your access cards, the building MUST have submitted a Waste Manager Detail form.

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 will not change.
• 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 will maintain your Empire Bin and empty it using an automated side-loading vehicle.
  

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

Individual Bins

Properties with 10-30 units were given a choice between using Empire Bins or individual bins for their trash.

Starting 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 will transition to become part of the M9 Containerization Pilot.

NOTE: Properties can continue using their current containers until they are removed in April 2025. After June 1, properties will be REQUIRED to use either Empire Bins or individual bins.

Learn more about the Hamilton Heights Containerization program.