SAFE Disposal Events

DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal events to help NYC residents safely get rid of certain harmful household products.

Events are held every year and in all five boroughs. We accept automotive products, electronics, household chemicals, medical waste, and other items that are dangerous to dispose of, because they are toxic, corrosive, or could catch fire.

Items should be packaged safely for transport and drop-off. You may be asked for proof of NYC residency (NYS driver license, utility bill).

NOTE: These events are for NYC residents ONLY. NO businesses or commercial vehicles.

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)
• Harmful household products:
  • Cleaners, pesticides, nail polish, paint
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • E-cigarettes, vape pens
  • Flammable gas, fire extinguishers
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Skin lightening products 
  • Thermostats
    
• 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 Next

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.