NYC Considers Free Trash Bins for Some Homeowners

By Y.M. Lowy

A bill moving through the City Council could provide free 55-gallon trash bins to some New York City homeowners. New city trash rules, which took effect on November 12, require all businesses and buildings  with 1-9 residential units to use lidded 55-gallon bins. 

The proposal would require the Department of Sanitation to distribute the bins to owners of buildings with one or two units. To qualify, homeowners must also be enrolled in the New York STAR or Enhanced STAR tax benefit program, which helps lower property taxes.

The bill also includes a plan to reimburse eligible homeowners who already purchased the required bins.