Safe Disposal of Harmful Products - DEP

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Safe Disposal of Harmful Products

Wastewater Treatment System

Sewer System

Safe Disposal of Harmful Products


Safe Disposal of Harmful Products

If not properly handled, certain products can clog our Sewer System or end up in local waterways and harm our environment. The items listed on this page should never be flushed down the toilet, poured into a household drain, or discarded at the curb.* Your actions have a big impact!

*NOTHING should ever be poured down a catch basin, storm sewer or street drain. If you witness someone illegally disposing of harmful products, call 311 or file an illegal dumping report online.

Take a look at the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Harmful Products Guide for the latest information. You can bring certain products to DSNY SAFE Disposal Events or Special Waste Drop-Off Sites.

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Grease

Pouring fat, oil, or grease down your kitchen sink can clog household pipes or sewers completely. When wastewater can’t move freely through the sewer system due to a blockage, it can cause flooding and even sewage to backup into your home!

Grease Disposal at Home

Visit Disposing of Grease at Home for tips to protect your pipes and prevent sewer backups.

Grease Disposal for Businesses

If you own or operate a food service establishment, visit Disposing of Grease as a Business.

Wet Wipes

Wet wipes, even the ones that say “flushable,” should never be flushed down any toilet. In fact, the only things you should be flushing down the toilet are the four P’s: Poop, Pee, Toilet Paper, and Puke.

Learn more about how to Trash It. Don’t Flush It.

Cleaning Products

Cleaning products labeled with “DANGER—CORROSIVE” should never be disposed at the curb, into a storm sewer or catch basin, or down any drain. This includes highly corrosive liquids such as hydrofluoric, sulfiric or muriatic acids.

For more information about how to properly dispose of household cleaning products, visit the DSNY website.

Fertilizers, Pesticides & Weed Control Products

Unwanted fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides should never be poured down a household drain, storm sewer or catch basin. You can help by using non-toxic lawn and garden care products and purchasing only what you need so that you can use up the product completely.

If you need to discard leftover fertilizer, pesticide or weed control products, follow DSNY recommendations for safe disposal.

Trash & Litter

Trash on the streets can end up in our waterways and negatively affect harbor water quality and marine ecosystems. Learn more about how to prevent trash from entering our waterways at nyc.gov/trashfreewaters.

Automotive Products

Cars use many products that can be harmful to our environment. Antifreeze, gasoline, motor oil or transmission fluid should never be disposed at the curb, into a storm sewer or catch basin, or down the drain. Car batteries and tires also contain harmful substances that can seep into waterways if they are not properly discarded.

You can help by promptly fixing fluid leaks, cleaning up any spills, and learning how to safely discard automotive products. For more information about how to safely dispose of automotive materials, visit the DSNY website.

Auto Body and Repair Shops

If you own or operate and auto body or repair shop, please Download our Smart Auto Body, Auto Repair and Dismantling Guide to learn about the permitting requirements and environmental regulations for the automotive industry in New York City.

Medical Waste

Generally, unwanted medications should never be flushed down the toilet. Follow NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommendations for Safe Medication Disposal for Households. Visit the DSNY website or the DEC website for drop off locations and additional information.

Applicances with CFC/Freon

Appliances such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers and refrigerators contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs, also sometimes referred to by the trade name “Freon,” cause damage to the earth’s ozone layer when they are released into the air. Before putting any appliance that contains CFCs on the curb for recycling, call 311, or fill in this online form, to schedule an appointment to have the CFCs safely removed by an expert from DSNY.

Batteries

All batteries can be brought to a DSNY SAFE Disposal Event or to any DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site for recycling. Alkaline batteries are no longer classified as harzardous in New York State, but it is more environmentally friendly to bring them to a drop-off site instead of discarding in the regular garbage.

It is illegal to discard rechargeable batteries in the garbage or regular recycling. In New York State, most stores that sell rechargeable batteries, including pharmacies, and office supply and hardware stores, will accept them free of charge. Ask for the “Call2Recycle box”. Visit call2recycle.org to find a drop-off location. If a retailer refuses to accept your rechargeable batteries, contact the DEC at 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332) or file a report online.

Products Containing Mercury

Mercury-containing products that are improperly disposed can cause damage to the air, local waterways, and the environment. This includes fluorescent tubes, compact fluorecent lamps (CFLs), thermostats, and thermometers.

For more information about how to properly dispose of these products, visit the DSNY website. If you witness a mercury spill, call the DEC Spills Hotline at 1-800-457-7362.

Amalgam Separators for the Dental Industry

All dental facilities in New York City must use an amalgam separator to treat wastewater that is likely to come into contact with amalgam waste. For more information, please visit Amalgam Separators for the Dental Industry.

Electronics

Electronics like computers, monitors, mobile devices, printers, and video game consoles have components that contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Although they are safe to use, they can pose dangers to the environment when not properly discarded.

NY State Law requires manufacturers to collect and recycle or reuse unwanted electronics. Each manufacturer must maintain a toll-free number and website with information on how to return items for recycling. If a manufacturer refuses to accept your electronics, contact the DEC at 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332) or file a report online.

For more information about how to safely dispose of electronics, visit the DSNY website.

Pet Waste

If left on the ground, pet waste can wash into our waterways, harming wildlife and communities. Leaving pet waste on the ground is also illegal and can come with a $250 fine. Use a “pooper scooper” or plastic bag to pick it up! If you witness someone failing to pick up after their pets, you can file an animal waste complaint online or call 311.