Finding Pride In NYC’s Color-Coded Cans

I procrastinated ordering the now-required, rat-resistant NYC Sanitation bins because, frankly, I was bothered by having to pay $177.90 when I already had bins. The garbage cans I had, though, didn’t meet the requirement—55 gallons or smaller, with a lid.As of November 12, 2024, New Yorkers with 1–9 residential units are required to place all trash in 55-gallon bins or smaller for pickup. No more trash bags on the sidewalk! Recycling and cardboard remain optional.

As of January 2, 2025 — last week — homeowners and building owners can be ticketed for non-compliance: $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, and $200 for each subsequent offense.

By June 2026, all residential units will need to purchase the required rat-resistant bins. Why? So automated, side-loading garbage trucks can be implemented across the five boroughs. Fewer hernias: good!

The bin requirement is part of the Mayor’s “Rat Pack” Campaign. Adams, last April, even appointed the first-ever Director of Rodent Mitigation, Kathleen Corradi. I am so jealous of her title. While I really like rats because they’re intelligent and cute, I get it—a cleaner NYC is a good idea.

A strange thing happened shortly after I ordered my bins—I found myself eagerly anticipating their arrival. I was excited that I splurged on all three: trash, recycling, and cardboard. I started brainstorming how I’d label my bins with my house number—it could even turn into a cool art project! Paint pens or spray paint, maybe?

Something about having the color-coded bins lined up on the side of my house suddenly sparked a sense of NYC pride! There’s something uniquely NYC about feeling a deep connection to your garbage cans—part homeownership pride, “if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” and part practicality, all bagged up in a commitment to community cleanliness.

Last Thursday, I looked out the front window, and there they were! I ran outside and snapped a picture to post on my IG feed: “My bins arrived, and I think I’m more excited than I should be!” The story blew up with hearts, “fire” emojis, and comments. I was wishing for a share from @nycsanitation but I got a thumbs up, good enough.

Apparently, I’m not the only Rockaway resident excited about the bins. My neighbors reached out in conversations — some debating what size to get, others relieved that trash will finally be off the streets. Rockaway Beach has so much litter flying around, there was a real sentiment and hope for cleaner streets.

Want one, NEED one? NYC Bins for property owners will be delivered to your home by ordering here: www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS. They’re also available at Home Depot if you need bins asap.

For more on  weird obsession with the NYC Sanitation tag along with me in Rockaway on Instagram: @theglorifiedtomato.