New York City is enforcing a rule requiring single-family homes and buildings with fewer than 10 units to use official gray "NYC Bins" starting Tuesday, with $50 fines for noncompliance. The bins, which cost up to $62.77, are part of the city's rat-reduction campaign. About 1.2 million bins have been sold, but 40,000 warnings were issued during the grace period.

Landlords are responsible for compliance. Critics argue the bins are unnecessary or impractical, and a Manhattan landlord has filed a lawsuit. The manufacturer, Duramax Holdings, is facing bankruptcy.

Larger buildings with 31+ units will eventually use 800-gallon "Empire Bins" with key-card access, rolling out citywide by 2032. Recycling and composting rules remain separate, with specific bins available but not required.