SAFE Disposal Events - DSNY

New York City Department of Sanitation


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SAFE Disposal Events
Special Waste Drop-Off

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Community Recycling Events

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Get Compost

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SAFE Disposal Events

Special Waste Drop-Off


SAFE Disposal Events

DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal events every year. Events are held in all five boroughs, and NYC residents can drop off chemical products, medical waste, and electronics. You may be asked to provide proof of NYC residency (NYS driver license, utility bill). These events are for NYC residents ONLY, not businesses. Commercial vehicles are NOT allowed.

Upcoming Events

There are no SAFE Disposal Events scheduled at this time.

Check back in Fall 2025 for more information.

What to Bring

Automotive products (antifreeze, car batteries gasoline, motor oil, transmission fluid)

Electronics (computers and accessories, TVs and video equipment, cell phones, tablets, e-readers, video game consoles)

Household products

cleaners, pesticides, nail polish, paint

compact fluorescent light bulbs

flammable gas, fire extinguishers

rechargeable batteries

thermostats

e-cigarettes, vape pens

Medical items (medications, syringes, needles, scalpels, lancets)

We DO NOT accept plug-in appliances (microwaves, vacuum cleaners, box fans) or ones containing CFCs.

How to Bring It

Read item labels carefully before handling. Follow directions for any items labeled DANGER, POISON, or CAUTION.

To get items ready for transport:

Label products clearly

Seal containers tightly

Place syringes and lancets in leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers (like "sharps" containers)

Pack leaky items inside larger containers, using absorbent material to soak up excess fluid

Put items with broken glass into separate sealed bags or boxes.

NOTE: DO NOT mix products or bring open containers.

What Happens to It

Materials collected are either recycled, blended for fuel, or sent to licensed hazardous waste treatment facilities for safe disposal. Electronics are recycled or refurbished for reuse through ERI. Unwanted medications are managed by environmental police and incinerated to prevent unintentional poisonings or entry into the water supply.