By Michael V. Cusenza
Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced that owners of one- and two-family homes who receive the Basic or Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR or E-STAR) credit or exemption will receive a $59.30 check to pay for the cost of their official NYC Bin. Checks are due to hit mailboxes in the coming weeks. Eligible homeowners will not have to do anything to receive the checks, as the City Department of Finance will automatically be sending them.
“This rebate is one more way we’re making life in the city more affordable for working-class New Yorkers,” said DOF Commissioner Preston Niblack.
As of Nov. 12, 2024, all properties with one to nine residential units — including one- and two-family homes — are required to use bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids for trash set out. Those residents who already use a bin of similar size may continue to use it only until June 2026, when they will be required to use the official NYC Bin.
The rat-resistant NYC Bins are compatible with mechanical tippers being installed on DSNY’s standard rear-loading collection trucks.
The DOF will send letters in the coming weeks notifying homeowners of this refund:
Homeowners who have already purchased their NYC Bin online or by phone will automatically receive a check for $59.30.
Those who have not yet purchased their NYC Bin will receive a letter notifying them that when they purchase their bin online or by calling 855-692-2467, they will automatically receive a check within 30 days of making their purchase.
Those who have purchased or will purchase their NYC Bin in person at Home Depot will receive a voucher code that they can use online — with a proof of purchase — to request their reimbursement check.
STAR and E-STAR credits and exemptions are generally for property owners whose total household income is less than $500,000. The DOF will mail checks to homeowners who have applied for this credit in 2024 or 2025.
“Building a cleaner New York City is going to require all of us to work together to keep trash off our streets. To encourage everyone to do their part and to help put more money back into the pockets of working-class New Yorkers, we’ll be covering the cost of the NYC Bin for most one- and two-family homeowners,” Adams said. “Our ‘Trash Revolution’ is now not only making our city cleaner, but also more affordable. I encourage everyone who has not yet to order an NYC Bin to do so today. There’s no reason to wait — cleaning up our city starts at home, so make sure to get your NYC Bin and get cash back.”
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) has been pushing for the rebate since last summer.
“If you don’t have STAR or E-STAR, and you own a one- or two-family property, you really should get it, otherwise you are leaving a lot of money on the table each year and you will not qualify for reimbursement,” she advised her constituents.
