To help residents dispose of harmful household products safely, DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal Events throughout the year in all five boroughs.
Events are held, rain or shine, from 10 am to 4 pm. Because they are popular, be prepared for a line.
Only NYC residential waste is accepted at SAFE Disposal Events, and no commercial vehicles are allowed. Residents must provide proof of NYC residency, such as a NYS driver’s license or utility bill.
Download the SAFE Disposal event flyer which summarizes event details in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Accepted Items
- Automotive products such as motor oil, transmission fluid, and spent batteries
- Personal care items like unwanted medicines or cosmetics
- Thermometers
- Syringes (clearly labeled and packaged in a “sharps” container or other leak proof, puncture-resistant container)
- Household products such as pesticides, paint, hazardous cleaners, spent compact fluorescent lightbulbs
- Electronics
How To Package Items
Look for items with DANGER, POISON, or CAUTION labels. Read labels carefully for safe handling.
Ensure that all the products are labeled clearly. Tightly seal containers. Don’t mix products or bring open containers. If an item is leaking, pack in a larger container and use an absorbent material, such as kitty litter or newspaper, to soak up excess fluid.
Place containers upright in a sturdy box to transport them.
What Happens to Collected Items
Materials collected are either recycled, blended for fuel, or sent to licensed hazardous waste treatment facilities for safe disposal.
Electronics are responsibly recycled or refurbished for reuse through e-cycleNYC.
Unwanted medications are managed by environmental police and incinerated to prevent unintentional poisonings or entry into the water supply.