The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is launching a pilot program aimed at reducing waste-related nuisances such as rat infestations and improving street cleanliness. The agency’s recently adopted proposed rules set the framework for DSNY’s trash containerization requirements for residential buildings with 10 or more units, starting with a geographically limited pilot program. This program will replace the current on-street container pilot running on 10 blocks in Hamilton Heights. The existing pilot has shown good results, with rat sightings reported to 311 down 60 percent in the pilot zone since it began.

According to the adopted rules for the new pilot program, starting June 1, 2025, and with an end date of May 31, 2026, all residential buildings in Manhattan Community District 9 (Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Hamilton Heights in West Harlem) will face new containerization requirements and become the first community district where 100 percent of trash is off the street and in containers.

According to DSNY, this area was selected because it’s one of the rat mitigation zones designated by the Health Department and it offers a diverse set of building types and streetscapes. This initiative marks a significant step toward a citywide effort to modernize waste management.

This initiative is the next step to containerization rules currently in place for smaller residential properties, which went into effect on Nov. 12. Under these rules, all buildings with one to nine residential units will be required to use bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids for trash set out unless a waiver applies.

Under DSNY rules, larger buildings in the pilot area, all with 31 or more residential units, and some with 10 to 30 residential units, will be the first in the city to place their trash out for collection in European-style stationary on-street containers rather than in bags directly on the sidewalk. The results of this new pilot program will guide the development of permanent containerization policies across the city. Here are the pertinent details of the pilot program.

Stationary On-Street Containers (SOSCs)

SOSCs, branded as “Empire Bins,” are large, European-style waste containers placed in the parking lane along the curb. The specific locations for each SOSC will be chosen in coordination with the Department of Transportation.

These bins will be assigned to specific buildings for exclusive use by their residents.

Also, each residential building disposing of refuse in a SOSC must ensure that such stationary on-street container is kept clean, well maintained, and clear of trash, debris, graffiti, vermin, food scraps, and unsanitary conditions. The buildings must also ensure that the area of the roadway extending 1.5 feet beyond each side of the SOSC is kept clean.

Buildings with 31+ Units

Buildings in this group would be required to use SOSCs rather than their own bins. The DSNY is requiring use of SOSCs rather than their own rigid containers with tight-fitting lids because residential buildings of this size generate too much trash to fit in such receptacles. DSNY says a building with 31 or more dwelling units in the pilot area won’t be required to utilize an SOSC if it receives off-street collection, including collection from inside a loading dock, or if the department determines that such building’s circumstances warrant a different containerization method or alternative set-out method based on the department’s own independent analysis.

Buildings with 10 to 30 Units

These buildings can either place trash in SOSCs or set out appropriate bins for DSNY collection. If they choose to use SOSCs, they’d have to apply to the DSNY. The application period to opt in to using SOSCs in the pilot area runs from Dec. 15, 2024, to Feb. 1, 2025. The department will notify the building of approval or denial no later than April 1, 2025.

The DSNY hasn’t released the application for this pilot program yet, but the rules say the application must include the name and contact information of the owner of the building, and owner’s agent, if applicable; the number of dwelling units in the building; an attestation that the owner of the building, or such owner’s agent, agrees to place all refuse in the stationary on-street containers if the application is approved; and any additional information deemed necessary by DSNY.

End Date

The pilot program concludes on May 31, 2026, at which point the results will be assessed for citywide expansion.