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M9 Containerization FAQ

General Information

How long is the pilot M9 Containerization Pilot?

The pilot is in effect from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

Manhattan Community Board 9 (M9) includes Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Hamilton Heights.


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.

M9 will be the first district in the city to containerize ALL trash!


What kind of trash bins will my building use?

For individual bins, use a bin 55 gallons or less, with a secure lid. Use your own or purchase an Official NYC Bin.


Do I need to use bins for compost and recycling?

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

Bins containing trash, recycling, or compost may be set out as early as 6:00 PM for collection. Any bagged material, 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.


Will my building still have to use individual bins or Empire Bins when the pilot ends?

Results of this pilot will help inform the future of the program.


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 will be installed with consideration of existing street infrastructure and serviced by DSNY's new automated side-loading trucks.


When do I start using the Empire Bins?

You should start using your Empire Bin as soon as it is installed. As of June 1, 2025, Manhattan Community Board 9 (M9) residents can no longer place bagged trash on the curb – all trash must be in the Empire Bin or individual bins.


Can residents access the Empire Bins?

No, only building staff with access cards and DSNY will have access cards to unlock the bins. Empire Bins will be 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 a building has multiple Empire Bins, will the same access cards work on all of their 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 buildings 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)

Individual Bins

Who must use individual bins for trash?
  • ALL 10-30 unit buildings who DID NOT request an Empire Bins
  • ALL 1-9 unit buildings in Manhattan Community Board 9 (M9)

M9 includes Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Hamilton Heights.

Properties with 10-30 units were given a choice between using Empire Bins or individual bins for their trash. If your property did not receive an Empire Bin, you MUST use individual bins.


What kind of bins?

Use a bin 55 gallons or less, with a secure lid. Use your own or purchase an Official NYC Bin.


When do I need to start using bins to set out my trash?

As of November 12, 2024, all properties with 1-9 residential units must use bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids to set out trash.

Residents in the Hamilton Heights shared-bins pilot area should start using individual bins for trash as soon as the shared pilot bins are removed.

All 10-30 unit properties WITHOUT Empire Bins must set out trash using individual bins starting June 1, 2025.


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 will be able to unlock the bins.


Do I need to use the official NYC Bin?

You may use any bin (less than 55 gallons) with a secure lid.

Starting in June 2026, buildings using individual bins must use the official NYC Bin for your trash.