Q&A
Clarification on recycling bin requirements
1:30:48
·
112 sec
Council Member Shaun Abreu seeks clarification on recycling bin requirements, particularly after 2026. Joshua Goodman from DSNY provides important details about the rules for recycling containers.
- After June 1, 2026, MGP (metal, glass, plastic) and paper recycling can still be set out in bags
- If residents choose to use bins for recycling, they must use the NYC-approved bins
- The 55-gallon maximum bin size in DSNY rules was based on weight considerations for sanitation workers
- Standard bin sizes are typically 35 or 45 gallons, with 55-gallon bins not being a standard production size
Shaun Abreu
1:30:48
After 2026, when city owned when city approved refuse bins are required for use by low density buildings, Will a building owner be issued a violation for setting their MGPP recycling out in a container that is not in a city approved bin?
1:31:04
No.
1:31:04
That rule only applies to refuse.
1:31:06
DSNY rules allow residents to use a refuse container that is up to 55 gallons in size, but OTO's website only gives users the option to order a refuse bin that is at minimum at maximum, rather, 43 gallons in size.
1:31:22
Will residents have the option to purchase a 55 gallon bin from Otto in the future?
1:31:27
If so, when will this option be available?
Joshua Goodman
1:31:29
Let me answer that question, mister chair, but first, let me just clarify.
1:31:32
I think I misunderstood your previous question.
1:31:34
After June 1, 2026, MGP and paper will be able to continue to go out in a bag as they are now.
1:31:43
If you put them in a bin, it has to be the NYC bin.
1:31:47
No like your own recycling bin.
1:31:49
You don't need a bin, but if you use a bin, it has to be the NYC bin.
1:31:52
So just to clarify that.
1:31:53
I misunderstood your question.
1:31:54
On your question about the size of the bins, the 55 gallon maximum isn't a long standing limit in DSNY rules, and And it was actually designed developed based on the weight and size of a bin, the ability of sanitation workers to get the bags out of it.
1:32:11
It was crafted without any consideration of what kinds of bins are actually produced.
1:32:16
35, 45 are standard sizes.
1:32:18
A 55 gallon bin is actually not a standard size that is made.
1:32:22
We are looking into whether it would be possible to produce a 55 gallon bin without a substantially increased cost given that it would be a custom job.
1:32:30
If that's something that we can do, it is something we are interested in doing.
1:32:33
But the the issue is that a 55 gallon bin was set based on weight, not because it's an industry standard size that exists.
