• Computers (laptops and desktops, servers, mainframes)
• Monitors (CRT and flat-screen)
• Handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, e-readers, etc.)
• Network devices (routers, hubs, modems, etc.)
• Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, cords, chargers, etc.)
• Components (hard drives, CD-ROMs, circuit boards, power supplies, etc.)
• Printers, scanners, fax machines
• TVs, VCRs, DVRs, DVD and Blu-ray players
• Digital converter boxes, cable/satellite receivers
• Video game consoles and accessories
• Cell phones, pagers, PDAs
• Audiovisual equipment (cameras, microphones, stereo equipment, etc.)

We do not accept:

• Batteries, except lead-acid batteries from uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems 
• Media such as floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and cassette tapes 
• Household appliances, including air conditioners and microwaves
• Smoke detectors
• Humidifiers and dehumidifiers

We accept textiles at most (but not all) events. Check our calendar or promotional materials to see what events accept textiles. At qualified events, the following clean, dry, and odorless textiles are accepted in any condition:

• Clothing
  • Tops (t-shirts, blouses, shirts, tank tops)
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatshirts
  • Dresses
  • Outerwear (coats, jackets, blazers)
  • Bottoms (pants, slacks, jeans, sweatpants, skirts, shorts)
  • Suits
  • Sports Jerseys
  • Pajamas
  • Intimates (slips, bras, underwear, socks)
  • Baby Clothing
• Footwear
  • Shoes
  • Heels
  • Flats
  • Sandals
  • Flip Flops
  • Boots (all varieties)
  • Sneakers
  • Cleats
  • Slippers
• Accessories
  • Hats
  • Bags (pocketbooks, backpacks, duffle bags, totes)
  • Belts
  • Gloves
  • Ties
  • Scarves
  • Bathrobes
  • Jewelry
• Linens
  • Sheets/pillowcases
  • Blankets
  • Comforters
  • Curtains/Drapes
  • Aprons
  • Dish cloths
  • Cloth napkins
  • Table linens
  • Quilts
• Other
  • Luggage
  • Sports jerseys
  • Stuffed animals

At designated events, we accept paint—check promotional materials or our calendar to see which events qualify. If it is a qualified event, we accept:

• Interior and exterior architectural paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, enamel (including textured coatings)
• Deck coatings, floor paints (including elastomeric)
• Primers, sealers, undercoaters
• Stains
• Shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (single component)
• Waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers and repellents (not tar or bitumen-based)
• Metal coatings, rust preventatives
• Field and lawn paints

We can not accept:

• Paint thinners, mineral spirits, solvents
• Aerosol coatings (spray paint)
• Auto and marine paints
• Art and craft paints
• Caulking compounds, epoxies, glues, adhesives
• Paint additives, colorants, tints, resins
• Wood preservatives (containing pesticides)
• Roof patch and repair
• Asphalt, tar, and bitumen-based products
• 2-component coatings
• Deck cleaners
• Traffic and road marking paints
• Industrial Maintenance (IM) coatings
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (shop application) paint and finishes

We hold neighborhood collection events across New York City throughout the year. Events are usually held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, unless otherwise noted.

View our calendar for more details about when and where events are being held.

Additionally, DSNY offers Special Household Waste Drop-Off sites in each borough. They are open year-round, in addition to seasonal SAFE events, and accept materials for free.

No, we do not have a limit on the amount of e-waste that you can bring to the event. If you are planning to drop off a larger amount of equipment (seven or more full-sized items such as computers, TVs, and printers) at an event, we would appreciate it if you could come within the first three hours of the event.

Please note that we only accept materials from households, not-for-profit organizations, schools, and small businesses.

E-waste contains many toxic materials, and by throwing it away in the regular trash, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium could end up in our groundwater. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 70% of toxins found in landfills come from e-waste, even though it only constitutes 1% of landfill volume. In addition to serious health hazards, e-waste recycling and reuse reduces the energy and resources used up during the manufacture, transit, and sale of new electronics. Finally, it’s also required by law! In New York State, it’s illegal to throw your e-waste in the trash. You could be fined $100 for illegally discarding your electronics. For more information about the law, see the Electronics Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act.

All of the equipment dropped off is sorted and packed by Ecology Center staff, loaded into a truck, and transported to a local facility of our recycling partners, EcoTech Management and WALTER.

We guarantee data security for your devices. Older computers, external hard drives, cell phones, etc., are shredded during recycling. Items that might qualify for reuse, such as hard drives, are wiped in the refurbishing process. We only work with recyclers who guarantee data security. While it is not necessary to wipe your hard drive before recycling, you can do your own data removal using KillDisk or Darik’s Boot and Nuke. Both programs are free.

Unfortunately, we do not offer e-waste pickups. We suggest you ask family and friends with cars to help you bring your e-waste to our neighborhood e-waste drop-off events. We have also seen people with vehicles organize their building by offering to transport computers from their neighbors to an event along with their own computers.

No. In New York State, there is a $100 fine for disposing of electronics in the trash.

Most household appliances can be recycled curbside. Items that are mostly metal, glass, or rigid plastic can be placed at the curb for recycling. For more information on what can and cannot be recycled curbside, please check the Department of Sanitation’s home page and search in the “How to get rid of…” search box.

We no longer accept any batteries, except lead-acid batteries from UPS systems. It is illegal to throw certain batteries in the trash.

Any store that sells rechargeable batteries must take back those batteries for recycling. 

You can also drop off all types of batteries at DSNY SAFE events, which are offered twice a year in each borough, or at a DSNY Special Household Waste Collection site.

No. The collection events are for drop-off only.

Yes. Please ask one of our staff about getting a tax deduction form when you drop off your e-waste.

To make e-waste recycling accessible and convenient to New York City residents, we work with community partners to hold events in various neighborhoods. If you would like to bring an electronics recycling event to your community, please contact us at info@lesecologycenter.org or 212.477.4022.