Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson announced on Apr. 17 that six new Community Districts will implement full trash containerization by the end of 2027. This expansion means that eight out of the city’s 59 districts will have no trash bags on sidewalks next fall, with a goal for complete citywide implementation by the end of 2031.
The initiative aims to improve street cleanliness and address public health concerns associated with exposed garbage. The administration says this step is part of a broader effort to ensure clean and healthy streets across all neighborhoods in New York City.
“In the wealthiest city in the wealthiest nation in the history of the world, no New Yorker should have their sidewalks covered in garbage. By finishing the job on containerization, we will ensure New York City’s streets remain the envy of the world,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We have the plan, we’re investing the money and we’re delivering on the promise of clean, healthy streets for every neighborhood.”
Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson said, “Containerization is a long overdue step in bringing our city’s trash collection into the modern era, putting an end to piles of garbage that have become far too common across our city.” Sanitation Commissioner Anderson added, “Neighborhood by neighborhood, we are ending the decades-long era of trash bags on the streets… Others have talked a lot about containerizing… but we are actually getting it done.”
The plan requires businesses and low-density residential buildings to use smaller wheelie bins for waste disposal. The latest announcement extends coverage to higher-density residential buildings through stationary Empire Bins assigned to each building and serviced by automated side-loading trucks—the first such system in North America.
Medium- and high-density buildings with more than 30 units will receive Empire Bins; those with between 10 and 30 units can choose between Empire Bins or wheelie bins after outreach from DSNY. The Department expects over 6,500 Empire Bins will be used for more than 3,500 buildings as part of this phase.
Council Member Crystal Hudson said she was pleased with progress following her bill expanding containerization: “Containerization is a critical tool in addressing our rat crisis and improving street cleanliness.” Council Members Christopher Marte, Kamillah Hanks, and Oswald Feliz also voiced support for prioritizing their communities during rollout.
The pilot program launched last year in Manhattan Community District 9 has shown positive results through cleaner streets even during winter months. Brooklyn Community District 2 is scheduled next for bin deployment this fall as officials move toward full adoption within five years.
