New York City has introduced a new mandatory garbage rule that will come into effect on Tuesday in an effort to reduce the eyesores of black plastic bags that accumulate on city streets. The rule requires all properties with one to nine residential units, including single-family homes, to use garbage pails that are 55 gallons or less with secure lids for trash disposal.
According to Joshua Goodman, the Deputy Commissioner of Public Affairs and Customer Experience at the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY), this new garbage set-out system aims to limit rat activity and keep the streets cleaner. The initiative has already shown promising results, with a noticeable decrease in rat sightings since some New Yorkers started covering their trash.
As part of the new rule, New Yorkers must now place their household trash in leak-proof bins with secure lids that are at most 55 gallons in size. While residents can currently use any bin that meets these specifications, the city plans to introduce the official NYC Bin in June 2026. This bin is available for purchase at www.bin.nyc for $45 for the 35-gallon size and $53 for the 45-gallon size.
To make the bins more accessible to residents, the NYC Department of Sanitation has partnered with Home Depot to offer the bins at all 22 of the retailer’s NYC stores. Despite the convenience of purchasing the bins from Home Depot, they will not be delivered to customers. For those who prefer delivery, they can order through bins.nyc.
Some New Yorkers have expressed skepticism and frustration about the new rule, raising concerns about the additional cost of purchasing bins. However, Goodman emphasized that the DSNY conducted a competitive process to ensure that the bins are the least expensive option available while maintaining high quality.
In addition to improving street cleanliness, the new garbage rule also aims to prevent line-of-duty injuries among DSNY workers. Approximately 50% of line-of-duty injuries at DSNY are strains and sprains from handling garbage bags. To address this issue, sanitation trucks are being retrofitted with mechanical tippers that can lift and dump the contents of the NYC Bin, improving safety and efficiency for workers.
Overall, the new mandatory garbage rule in NYC is designed to enhance sanitation efforts, reduce rat activity, and keep the streets cleaner. By following the guidelines for trash disposal and investing in the official NYC Bin, residents can contribute to a cleaner and safer environment for all New Yorkers.
