Your guide to NYC’s ‘Trash Revolution’ as key changes come this November – QNS

As the city is set to take the next step in the “Trash Revolution,” many New Yorkers wonder what these new mandates and initiatives will mean for their households.

“Trash Revolution” is New York City’s latest initiative to improve waste management, reduce trash visibility, and combat rat infestations. Central to this effort is the containerization mandate, which requires trash to be placed in sealed bins instead of black bags on the curb.

The mandate is set to take effect on Nov. 12. which means significantly fewer black trash bags will be sitting on curbs, leaking foul garbage juice and attracting rats.

The mayor and the Department of Sanitation announced the new mandate in July, and with it, they also unveiled the first official “NYC Bin,” which is now available for purchase. The newly launched NYC Bin is equipped with wheels, a secure latching lid, and retails for just under $50, making it the most affordable option of its quality.

These two rollouts build on the city’s several undertakings over the past two years to change how the trash is handled to reduce black bag sightings and improve quality of life. City officials say these measures have even led to “record-breaking reductions in rat sightings” so far.

With the containerization mandate starting in November, DSNY estimates that 70% of the city’s 14 billion annual pounds of trash will be set out in containers. But many New Yorkers still have some questions about what that means for them.

In recent months, Antonio J. Whitaker, the Assistant Director of the Bureau of Community Affairs at the Department of Sanitation, has been visiting community boards and civic meetings across the city to discuss new sanitation initiatives.

At a Queens Community Board 11 meeting in Bayside this week, he was asked questions about the new bins, compositing, recycling yard waste, and potential challenges in complying with the new regulations.

“We’re trying to think outside the box,” Whitaker said as he patiently answered over a dozen questions and acknowledged that others are still being figured out.

Below are some frequently asked questions you may have. You can also join a virtual info session to learn more about DSNY’s new containerization rules. Several are scheduled for the next few months, and translations for some are available in Spanish and Chinese.

What types of buildings will need to comply with containerization?

Residential buildings with 1-9 units and special use buildings that receive DSNY collection. That includes city agency buildings, nonprofits, houses of worship and professional offices located within residential buildings.

I already put my trash in a regular bin. Do I still need to buy an Official NYC Bin?

Eventually, yes. If you already use a bin with a secure lid that is 55 gallons or less for trash set out, you may continue to use it until June 2026. After that, you will need to switch to the official NYC Bin.

What’s so different about the NYC Bins?

The NYC bins have wheels, a securable lid and a metal rod on the outside. They are significantly cheaper than bins of the same quality available on the retail market.

What is the metal bar for?

The key facet of the NYC bins is compatibility with mechanical arms on new rear-loading “tipper” garbage trucks. The trucks will help New York’s strongest empty the bins to facilitate a faster, safer, and cleaner collection. They will be rolled out over the next decade and are not expected to change workforce numbers.

Why should I purchase an official NYC Bin instead of one from a retail store?

They are almost three times cheaper than ones at home supply stores. The custom design is durable and easy to use for DSNY employees. The cheaper cost was secured through a city contract with a vendor in exchange for exclusivity. They are also designed to be rat-resistant.

Where can I purchase NYC Bins?

Online at www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS.

Can I still leave black trash bags on the curb?

No. All trash from buildings with 1-9 units must be containerized starting Nov. 12, 2024. Residences and businesses alike will face recently increased fines for leaving garbage bags on the curb.

Are clear recycle bags still okay to leave on the curb?

Yes. You can continue to place recyclable materials in clear bags on the curb without a bin. Tying up recyclable cardboard with twine and leaving it on the curb unbagged is also acceptable.

Do I also need to purchase a blue or green recycling bin? Or a brown composting bin?

No. These bins are not required, but they are recommended. Compost can be set out in any sealed bin that is 55 gallons or less.

If I order a NYC Bin now, will it arrive in time for the November mandate?

No. The pre-order window to receive a NYC bin before the mandate expired on Oct. 1. If you ordered a bin before then, officials say it will come in time for the mandate.

When will I receive the bin if I purchase it now?

Officials say it will likely arrive before the end of the year, but it’s hard to tell for sure since your order will not come with a tracking number. Some residents who ordered their bins at the beginning of the summer still have not received theirs, so there might be a delay.

What kind of bin can I use in the meantime?

Any garbage bin with a securable lid and 55 gallons or less will meet the November mandate.

What if I don’t need a 55-gallon bin because I have a smaller household?

The 55-gallon recommendation is simply a maximum size, not the status quo. You can use a significantly smaller bin, just not one bigger than 55 gallons. NYC Bins come in two size options: 35, which generally holds 3 kitchen garbage bags, or 45, which holds 4 bags.

Is there a warranty for the new bins?

Yes, there is a 10-year warranty. But theft is not covered.

What should I do if my NYC Bin is stolen?

Report it to the police.

How do I prevent my bins from being stolen?

To deter thieves, write your address on it boldly and brightly in permanent paint or marker. NYC Bins have a designated space for owners to write their address.

Can I keep using the old brown composting bins that were distributed for free years ago?

Yes. The DSNY has not mandated purchasing the new compost bins with a metal bar.

Can Queens residents get a free composting bin like residents in other boroughs are currently receiving?

Unfortunately, no. Since Queens was the first borough to see the composting rollout, the free bin distribution is in the past. With composting expanding to all five boroughs this month, residents in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island had the chance to get a free bin more recently

What should I do if I’m elderly or disabled and cannot bring a bin out to the curb?

Officials from DSNY encourage you to ask your neighbors for help and support if possible. They don’t have other ways to accommodate you at this time.

Where should I keep the bin when it’s not out for pickup?

Storing it in a backyard or garage is recommended. But if neither of those is an option, you can put it up against your fence and secure it with a lock. As it’s three feet away from the property line, it can also sit in front of your house.

DSNY expects to revise its policy as new storage issues and exceptions emerge. They are aware that each home is different, and it may be harder for some households to store their bins safely.

I ordered my bin over 90 days ago, but it still hasn’t been delivered. What should I do?

You can track the status online by entering your order number, email address, last name, and phone number in the Order Status section.

When should I put out paper leaf bags or yard scraps that are too big to fit in a compost bin?

These items can be picked up on your recycle/compost day. Leaves can be left in paper bags and twigs can be wrapped with twine.

Will there be a warning period?

Yes, after the rule is implemented, the warning period will last through the end of 2024. Fines will commence on January 2, 2025.

How do I dispose of my old bins?

Since plastic and metal bins are recyclable, you can place them upside down on your recycling day with a note indicating that they are for recycling.

What are the fines for non-compliance?

The first fine is $50. The second offense is $100. The third fine is $200 and will stay that rate for every subsequent violation until the end of the calendar year

Can I report someone for leaving black bags out on the curb?

Yes. You can make a report by texting or calling 311.

What does this mean for buildings with 10+ units?

A plan is currently in the works. Buildings with 31 units or more will be required to use stationary, on-street containers compatible with new automated side-loading garbage trucks. Buildings with 10 to 30 units can choose between the stationary bins designated to each building or smaller wheelie bins.

The first district to experiment with these containers will be Manhattan Community Board 9, beginning Spring 2025

Iryna is a staff reporter primarily covering eastern Queens.