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

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Manhattan
Union Square Park, North Plaza
South side of 17th St. between Park Ave South and Broadway 
Cars approach from Park Ave South and 20th St.
10am - 4pm

Saturday, September 26, 2026
Queens
Cunningham Park
Ball field parking lot
Cars enter on Francis Lewis Boulevard between Union Turnpike and Grand Central Parkway
10am - 4pm

Sunday, October 11, 2026
Brooklyn
Floyd Bennett Field
Flatbush Ave/Marine Parkway
Cars enter along Flatbush Avenue and make a left into the main entrance immediately before the toll bridge
10am - 4pm

Saturday, October 17, 2026
Staten Island
Midland Beach Parking Lot 8
Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue
Cars approach from Slater Boulevard
10am - 4pm

Saturday, October 24, 2026
Bronx
Orchard Beach
Parking lot 
Cars follow park drive to the end 
10am - 4pm

 

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.