Commonly used household and automotive products can be harmful to you, your family, city workers, and the environment if improperly stored, used, or discarded. Make sure you know what products you are using, what risks they pose, and how to safely handle and dispose of them.
This coming Spring, the NYC Department of Sanitation will be conducting SAFE disposal events in each borough. These events will allow NYC residents to safely dispose of their harmful household products and pharmaceuticals.
harmful household products usage and disposal tips
dangers
handling tips
common harmful products
collection programs
emergency phone numbers
ALSO SEE:
reducing workplace toxics
disposal guidelines
potential health effects
helpful links about reducing toxics
Dangers
If automotive products, cleaners, certain paints, or pesticides are improperly discarded, Sanitation workers can suffer eye, respiratory, and burn injuries. In addition, chemicals from these products can leach into the environment and pollute the water, soil, and air. Before purchasing, using, or discarding any harmful household product, read these important handling tips.
On the other hand, many household products including alkaline batteries, latex paint, and fluorescent lamps are no longer dangerous (or pose a minimal threat) because they are now manufactured with no or few hazardous chemicals, but may still require special packaging and handling before disposal.
back to top
Common Harmful Products
Please select the product you wish to get more information about in the pull-down menu below, or visit common harmful household products to choose your item off a list.
Collection Programs
SAFE disposal events
household special waste drop-off sites
take it back nyc
back to top
