Garbage Rules in NYC: What Co-op and Condo Owners Need to Know About New Waste Regulations

Starting November 12, 2024, New York City is enforcing new garbage rules as part of its “War on Rats” initiative to improve sanitation and reduce rodent infestations. These garbage rules impact all residential properties, requiring secure, lidded bins for curbside trash disposal. Let’s explore what these rules mean for co-op and condo board members, property owners, and residents and how Harlem Property Management can help you comply with these changes.

NYC’s New Garbage Rule For Residential Waste

The new garbage rules are critical in NYC’s efforts to address public health and sanitation issues. By requiring trash to be stored in lidded containers instead of loose bags on the street, the city aims to:

• Reduce rodent populations by limiting access to food sources.
• Improve street cleanliness by removing piles of garbage bags.
• Enhance public space and quality of life for residents.

These garbage rules reflect NYC’s commitment to making neighborhoods cleaner and safer, benefiting all New Yorkers. For more details, you can review the official NYC Sanitation Department’s page on NYC Trash Containerization Rules.

Critical Requirements of NYC’s Garbage Rules

1. Who Must Follow NYC’s New Garbage Rules?

• Residential Properties with 1-9 Units: Effective November 12, 2024, all buildings with 1-9 residential units must use bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids. These bins ensure that trash remains contained and inaccessible to rodents.
• Residential Properties with 10+ Units: Properties with 10 to 30 units can use individual bins or stationary, on-street containers. Properties with 31 or more units will be required to use stationary, on-street containers exclusively, serviced by DSNY’s new automated trucks.

2. Official NYC Bins for Containerization Rules Compliance

• In July 2024, NYC introduced the Official NYC Bin as the preferred solution for properties with 1-9 units. These bins are:
  • Rat-resistant and compatible with DSNY’s new collection trucks.
  • Available in various sizes to fit the needs of different properties.
  • Cost-effective, priced under $50, and available exclusively to NYC property owners and building managers.
• If your building already uses a secure bin (55 gallons or less), you may continue to use it until June 2026. After this date, transitioning to the Official NYC Bin will be mandatory.

For additional information on the Official NYC Bin specifications, visit the NYC Bins Official Website.

3. Special-Use Buildings Affected by Waste Requirements

• The garbage rules extend beyond residential properties, impacting certain special-use buildings that receive DSNY collection, including City agencies, nonprofits, houses of worship, and professional offices within residential buildings.

Benefits of NYC’s New Garbage Rules

Implementing these garbage rules offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Health and Safety: Enclosed bins minimize public health risks by preventing rodent access to garbage.
• Streamlined Collection: DSNY is retrofitting collection trucks with mechanized tippers to speed up garbage collection and reduce spills.
• Improved Neighborhood Appearance: Replacing piles of black bags with secure bins makes neighborhoods more appealing for residents and visitors.

To learn more about how property management plays a role in ensuring compliance with NYC’s garbage rules, explore our guide on 5 Tips for Effective Property Management in NYC.

How Harlem Property Management Can Help with Garbage Rules Compliance

Navigating NYC’s garbage rules can be challenging, especially for co-op and condo board members. Harlem Property Management (HPM) is here to help ensure your building remains compliant and well-prepared for these changes. Our team provides:

• Customized Compliance Guidance for Garbage Rules: We’ll help your building implement waste containerization practices that meet NYC standards, ensuring that all residents understand their responsibilities.
• Waste Service Coordination: HPM collaborates with waste management providers to schedule compliant, efficient garbage collection that aligns with DSNY requirements.
• Educational Resources for Residents on Garbage Rules: From the basics of containerization to handling bulk items, we offer resources to inform residents on best practices for waste disposal.
• Support with Official NYC Bin Procurement: We guide property owners in acquiring the Official NYC Bin at the best possible price and manage the bin delivery and placement logistics.

Learn more about our New York Property Management services and how we can help your property meet NYC’s garbage rules.

To see how condo and co-op boards can handle similar regulatory challenges, check out The 3 Most Important Things a Condo or Co-op Board Needs to Know About Property Management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my building doesn’t comply with the containerization rules?

Non-compliance could result in fines from the DSNY. Harlem Property Management can help you establish compliant practices to avoid any penalties. Check the official DSNY Sanitation Violations and Penalties for more on penalties and compliance.

Do you know how I can learn more about these trash rules?

DSNY is hosting virtual info sessions about the new garbage rules. You can join on:

• Thursday, November 14 at 4:00 PM (Spanish and Chinese translations available)
• Thursday, November 21 at 4:00 PM
• Thursday, December 12 at 4:00 PM (Spanish and Chinese translations available)

Register for more information on these sessions on the NYC DSNY Events Page.

What should I do if I have more than 10 units in my building under these garbage rules?

For properties with 10-30 units, you can use individual bins or stationary on-street containers. Buildings with 31 or more units must use on-street containers designated solely for your building’s residents.

For additional guidance on financial planning for co-op boards, you may be interested in our article “What are the Financial Obligations of a Building Board?”

Where can I purchase the Official NYC Bin?

Official NYC Bins are available at www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS. They are exclusively for NYC property owners and will be delivered only within the five boroughs.

Take Action Today to Comply with NYC’s Garbage Rules

With these new rules in effect, now is the time to act. Harlem Property Management can assist in guiding your building through these changes, ensuring smooth compliance with NYC’s garbage containerization rules. Contact us today to find out how we can support your property’s waste management needs, keeping your building clean, compliant, and rat-free. Visit our Home Page for more information.

For more on compliance issues, see Top Compliance Issues for Condo & Co-op Boards in NYC.