Summary:
New York City is implementing new trash regulations starting on November 12th, requiring smaller buildings (1-9 units) to use large, rat-proof plastic bins for household trash.
This change marks the first time in 50 years that residents won't be allowed to simply leave trash bags on the street.
The city provides official bins with secure lids for $50 each, and over 400,000 have already been purchased.
There is a grace period until January 2nd for those who haven't yet purchased a bin, but fines will be enforced after that.
The city is aiming for a 'trash revolution', eventually requiring all buildings to use bins and implementing new garbage trucks to accommodate this change.
The new policies aim to reduce the piles of garbage bags on NYC streets and improve waste management efficiency.
NYC's 'Trash Revolution' Begins: Bins Not Bags for Smaller Buildings
New York City is taking a major step in its war on rats and sidewalk trash with new regulations starting Tuesday, November 12th. All buildings with one to nine housing units will be required to use large, rat-proof plastic containers for household trash instead of simply leaving bags on the curb.
This marks a significant change for the city, as it's the first time in 50 years that residents won't just leave their trash bags on the street.
"It serves as an all-night buffet for the rats. It’s time to differently time to live like the rest of the world lives," said NYC Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The city sells the official bins in two sizes with secure lids, for $50 each. Over 400,000 have already been purchased.
Grace Period and Fines
While the new rule applies to apartment buildings and single family homes, there's a grace period until January 2nd for those who haven't yet purchased a bin. During this time, the Department of Sanitation will issue warnings to property owners not using bins. After January 2nd, fines ranging from $50 to $200 will be enforced.
"We want to give a reasonable period to buy bins, learn the new muscle memory: bins rather than sidewalks," said Commissioner Tisch. "My message to New Yorkers is very simple: It’s time to bring dignity and order back to every block borough."
The rules also apply to special use buildings like city agencies, nonprofits, houses of worship, and professional offices in residential buildings.
A City-Wide Transformation
This initiative, dubbed a "trash revolution" by Mayor Eric Adams and the city, aims to improve how the city handles 44 million pounds of garbage daily. By 2025, larger buildings will also be required to use bins as the city rolls out new garbage trucks designed to empty sidewalk bins for larger structures. This program is modeled after successful efforts in European cities like Barcelona.
"We are only catching up with what municipalities across the globe are doing," Adams has said.
The new regulations follow similar rules implemented for commercial properties and businesses since March, which require all 200,000 businesses in NYC to use garbage bins instead of bags.
This city-wide transformation aims to reduce the piles of garbage bags that have long littered New York's streets, creating a cleaner and more efficient waste management system.
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