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DSNY says M9 containerization pilot broadly compliant; council seeks cost and scaling details
Summary
DSNY reported broad compliance in the Manhattan M9 containerization pilot (~72% of 1–9 unit buildings in compliance) and a pilot cost of about $2.1 million, while council members pressed for per‑household cost estimates and the projected capital needs for citywide rollout.
The Department of Sanitation told the Council the Manhattan Community District 9 (M9) Empire Bin pilot has shown broad compliance and operational results that will inform a citywide containerization expansion.
Acting Commissioner Javier Luham said about 72% of 1–9 unit buildings in M9 were in compliance at the start of the summons period and that roughly 70% of all buildings in the pilot had not received a warning or a summons. DSNY reported the M9 pilot PS and OTPS cost at about $2.1 million (roughly 0.1% of DSNY’s operating budget).
DSNY also gave enforcement comparisons: in the first four months of FY26, the department issued about 43 containerization violations per 1,000 residential buildings citywide, compared with 170 per 1,000 residential buildings in M9 during the same period.
Why it matters: Containerization is a major operational change intended to mechanize collection, reduce rodent attraction and improve sidewalks. Council members asked for per‑household and capital estimates to understand the budget’s implications and potential impacts on small building owners.
DSNY counsel said the department is still estimating citywide costs and will consider opt‑in provisions for some building sizes under Local Law 180 of 2025; where mechanical trucks are required the department is fitting new purchases with tippers to avoid costly retrofits.
Quote: "So on June 30, we started the summons period. We're seeing ... about 72% of 1 to 9 unit buildings ... are broadly in compliance," Luham said.
Next steps: DSNY signaled it is working on cost estimates for a broader rollout and will provide further details to council offices as those figures are finalized.
