NYC News

NYC Strikes Back in War on Rats with New Empire Bins in Harlem
June 2, 2025, 3:21.26 pm ET

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Photo: NYC.Gov

New York City has taken a major step in its fight against rats and sidewalk trash. West Harlem (Manhattan Community Board 9) has become the first neighborhood in North America where 100% of residential trash is fully containerized—part of the Adams administration’s aggressive “Trash Revolution.” With more than 1,100 Empire Bins now installed and servicing over 29,000 households, the city is turning the tide on decades of exposed garbage and rat infestations. Instead of loose bags piled on curbs, trash is now securely stored in rat-resistant containers assigned to individual buildings, with key card access for residents and property owners.

The Empire Bins represent a seismic shift in urban sanitation. Tailored for high-density buildings, they were introduced after months of analysis and outreach. Buildings with more than 30 units are now required to use the bins, while those with 10 to 30 units were given the choice between Empire Bins or smaller wheelie bins—roughly half opted in. The rollout ends a 50-year era of curbside garbage and brings cleaner sidewalks, clearer corners, and fewer vermin.

To service the bins, the city launched automated side-loading trucks—a first for North America. Initially projected to take over five years to develop, the trucks were fast-tracked with help from engineers in Italy, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Operated by just two sanitation workers, they are already active in West Harlem, improving safety and efficiency while keeping bags off the street.

Since residential containerization rules began citywide, rat sightings reported to 311 have declined for six consecutive months. With 70% of all trash in New York City already containerized under business and low-density residential rules, West Harlem’s success is poised to shape the future. The Department of Sanitation will monitor the program closely to determine how and where the Empire Bins roll out next.


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