Hoboken has launched a new initiative to try to reduce rats on city streets.

The city plans to distribute 3,000 new trash cans. This comes after city officials passed an ordinance requiring residents to place their trash at the curb in containers that are tightly covered. Residents are now required to have a lid on their garbage can.

Buildings with 10 or fewer units can apply for an exemption if they don’t have the space. For buildings more than 10 units, residents may alternatively use garbage bags with rodent repellent if they don’t have the room for the trash containers. They can also use bags without rodent repellent that are at least 3 mils thick.

RELATED: Hoboken steps up fight against rats, approves new city rules for trash cans starting Thursday

Officials are distributing tightly lidded trash cans Tuesday at the Multi-Service Center hockey rink on Adams Street to help residents comply with a new ordinance. Trash cans will be distributed from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 2 to 7 p.m. There are more distributions planned for Thursday and Saturday.

City leaders believe the ordinance will help keep rats away in the city.

The city says it’s given out 700 of the new trash cans so far.