NYCWasteLess - SAFE Disposal Events

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NOTE: Our mention of these resources and organizations does not constitute an endorsement. If you find any outdated info, or want to suggest additional listings, please use the NYCWasteLess Listing Request.

NYC SAFE Disposal Events

(Solvents, Automotive, Flammable, Electronics)

The NYC Department of Sanitation plans to hold five SAFE Disposal Events each spring (one in each borough) to provide NYC residents with a one-stop method to get rid of potentially harmful household products.

Commonly used household products can be harmful to you, your family, your pets, city workers, and the environment if improperly stored, used, or discarded.

upcoming events
prior events
tips
alternatives
poison help hotline

ALSO SEE:
harmful household products
electronics recycling

Upcoming Events

Check back in early 2014 for the schedule of dates and locations for the next round of NYC SAFE Disposal Events. See harmful household products for alternative disposal and handling options for products accepted at SAFE Disposal Events.

Prior Events

See the results of previous DSNY SAFE Disposal Events, including pictures, participation, quantity and disposition of waste collected.

Before DSNY offered SAFE Disposal Events, there were DSNY's Electronics Recycling & Clothing Donation Events, from 2004-2008. See info, stats, and BWPRR Promotional pieces for these past events.

Tips

Products labeled with the following signal words are typically considered harmful household products: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. Products labeled DANGER represent the highest hazard level.
Use non-toxic products whenever possible.
When purchasing harmful household products, buy the right amount so you don't have excess materials to discard.

Alternative Disposal Options

You don't have to wait until a SAFE Disposal event to get rid of certain harmful household products. Every product marked with a green asterisk (*) below has alternative disposal options. Click on the product for information. Please note, those marked with a red x are banned from disposal.

automotive	household cleaners
antifreeze	ammonia
auto batteries * x	bleach
motor oil * x	cleaners (strong)
oil filters *	metal polish
	rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
personal care
mothballs	hobby supplies
nail polish	glues
nail polish remover	photo chemicals
syringes/sharps * x
mercury thermometers * x	electronics
medications *	cell phones *
medications - controlled * x	computers & peripherals *
		mice/keyboards *
housewares		monitors *
fluorescent lamps and CFLs *		printers *
fuel (lighter fluid, gasoline,		scanners *
kerosene)	portable devices *
household batteries *		e-readers *
mercury thermostats * x		mp3 players *
paint *		tablets *
paint thinner and paint products	televisions & peripherals *
pesticides/herbicides/insecticides		cable/satellite receivers *
pool chemicals		DVD players *
rechargeable batteries * x		DVRs *
smoke detector		VCRs *
turpentine		video game consoles *

LEGEND
* click the link for alternative disposal options
x cannot be discarded in the trash or recycling

Except for items banned from disposal, and when there are no other options, small quantities of most harmful household products can be dried up and discarded as trash.

Items such as alkaline batteries and latex (water-based) paint no longer contain harmful materials and can be discarded in the trash. Latex paint must be dried out before the empty can is recycled; or you can pursue reuse options.

Poison Help Hotline

If you think a family member (or pet) has been exposed to a harmful product, call the NYC Poison Control Center leaving NYCWasteLess Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.