The grisly discovery happened around 5 p.m. on Friday.
Police received reports of a suspicious package with a foul smell outside of a building in the Kips Bay neighborhood.
Responding officers found the remains in a sleeping bag left alongside other garbage bags set out on the curb for garbage pickup, according to police.
Video and photos shared on social media show what appears to be a full-sized body covered in a dark sleeping bag that was further wrapped in black trash bags.
The department has not released any details about the possible victim.
The victim’s age, sex, and size are all unreported at this time.
The medical examiner’s office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death and whether foul play is suspected, police said.