Electronics and Harmful Waste

Safe Handling and Disposal for NYC Agencies and Public Schools

Electronics, fluorescent bulbs, rechargeable batteries, and other harmful waste items require special handling and disposal. They cannot go in regular recycling or trash.

New York City agencies, nonprofits and schools are required to contract with a private vendor for safe handling and disposal of harmful waste.

Public schools must follow guidelines for how to dispose of obsolete equipment and furniture described in the NYCPS Division of Financial Operations Inventory Standard Operating Procedures.

Consult the NYCPS/DSNY Communications Protocol to learn more about recycling and waste collection in NYC Public Schools.

The City's Agency Safe Handling contract helps mayoral agencies safely dispose of a subset of harmful waste including: ballasts, batteries, electronics, fluorescent bulbs, mercury-containing devices, and sharps. For disposal of other types of harmful waste, mayoral agencies must contract a private vendor.

Nonprofits, non-mayoral agencies, and non-New York City Public Schools are NOT eligible for this contract. For disposal of all types of universal, electronic, and hazardous waste, they will need to contact a private vendor.

For questions about harmful or universal waste, contact agencysafehandling@dsny.nyc.gov.

View a list of trade waste companies licensed to operate in New York City.

Get additional guidance on harmful waste management.

Donation

Useable electronics should be donated for reuse through the donateNYC Exchange. Electronics that cannot be donated must be recycled properly.