Questions, answered

Do I have to put my address on my NYC Bin?

For trash bins at 1-9 unit homes: no rule forces you to - but every official NYC Bin ships with a blank white panel designed for your address, and an unmarked bin is the one that disappears on a windy night.

Recycling and compost bins are different: those must be labeled. And buildings with 4 or more units are required to keep bins and waste areas clearly labeled and signed.

Where exactly does the address go on the official NYC Bin?

On the blank white panel on the side of the bin. Keep the DSNY logo, serial number and barcode uncovered - you want those visible.

What if my NYC Bin is stolen?

File a police report with your local precinct. DSNY does not replace stolen bins, so you will need to buy a replacement. A labeled bin with a recorded serial number is easier to report and less attractive to steal.

Should I write down my bin's serial number?

Yes. Every official NYC Bin has a serial number. Take a photo of yours the day the bin arrives. It is your proof of ownership if the bin is stolen or mixed up with a neighbor's.

Can I just use a Sharpie?

A regular marker washes off in weeks. An oil-based paint pen lasts a season or two and costs about $5. A printed vinyl label is rated 10+ years - and takes about 60 seconds to apply. Walkthrough: the guide.

Will a sticker actually survive NYC weather?

Quality outdoor vinyl with a UV laminate will - it is rated for 10+ years of sun, rain and road salt. Apply it to a clean, dry surface above 50°F and give it 24 hours before the bin sees rain.

Will labeling my bin keep me from getting fined?

No. The $50+ fines are about what you set trash out in (official NYC Bin only, for 1-9 unit buildings), not about labeling. Labeling is about getting your bin back. The fines and rules live at cans.nyc.

Do I need special labels for recycling and compost?

Those bins need contents labels (metal/glass/plastic, paper, or compost), and DSNY hands those decals away free. An address label doesn't replace a contents label.

I manage a building. What are my obligations?

Buildings with 4+ residential units must keep waste areas and bins clearly labeled and posted with signage explaining what goes where, and can be fined when they aren't. Need labels for a whole building? We do bulk.

Can I paint the whole bin or decorate it?

Nothing stops you, but keep the DSNY logo, serial and barcode readable, and remember spray paint is forever. If you move, the address stays on the bin.