Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the New York City Sanitation Department will start issuing summonses and fines to owners of residential buildings with up to nine units who leave black trash bags on the curb instead of using the city‑approved containers.
The enforcement follows a warning period that concluded with the Labor Day weekend. During that time, the department reminded owners of the new requirement and gave them an opportunity to transition to the approved containers before penalties began.
The rule applies to all city streets that border residential buildings of the specified size. Property owners who continue to place the black bags directly on the sidewalk will receive a citation and be subject to a monetary penalty, as outlined by the sanitation agency.
City officials say the measure is intended to reduce rat infestations that thrive on improperly stored waste and to keep sidewalks clean for pedestrians. By directing trash to sealed containers, the city hopes to limit food sources that attract rodents and improve overall street hygiene.
The sanitation department will monitor compliance through routine patrols and will document violations before issuing fines. Building owners are encouraged to acquire the city‑approved containers, which are designed to meet the department’s standards for waste collection and pest control.
The policy targets a specific segment of the housing stock—small residential buildings with nine or fewer units—because they have historically relied on curbside bag placement. The new enforcement aims to bring these properties into line with the broader citywide waste‑management strategy.
Owners who fail to comply after the September 8 start date can expect to receive a summons and the associated fine, reinforcing the city’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier urban environment.