New NYC trash bin rules start this week: What to know

NEW  YORK CITY (PIX11) – Rats, be gone!

New trash rules go into effect in New York City on Tuesday, requiring trash bags to go into bins with “tightly fitting lids.” The bins should be under 55 gallons. 

The new rule applies to any property with between one and nine residential units. There will be a warning period to help residents get used to the new trash system before fines begin. 

Come Jan. 2, there will be financial consequences. Residents who don’t use a can with a lid after Jan. 2 will be hit with fines between $50 and $200, depending on whether they’ve been caught with just trash bags before. 

Starting in June 2026, these properties will have to switch over to the official New York City trash bin, which Mayor Eric Adams unveiled in July. 

A plan for buildings with over 10 residential units is still underway, and will ultimately include either wheelie bins or stationary on-street containers, according to the Department of Sanitation. Buildings with over 30 units will use the stationary, on-street bins.