NYC Fall SAFE Disposal Events: Dates, Locations & Accepted Items

Fall 2026 SAFE Disposal Schedule and Locations

The New York City Department of Sanitation has scheduled five borough-wide events for the fall season. All events run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, operating rain or shine, exclusively for New York City residents.

• Manhattan: Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Union Square Park, North Plaza (south side of 17th Street between Park Avenue South and Broadway). According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, cars must approach from Park Avenue South and 20th Street.
• Queens: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Cunningham Park (ball field parking lot). According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, cars enter on Francis Lewis Boulevard between Union Turnpike and Grand Central Parkway.
• Brooklyn: Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Floyd Bennett Field (Flatbush Avenue and Marine Parkway). According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, cars enter along Flatbush Avenue and make a left into the main entrance immediately before the toll bridge.
• Staten Island: Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Midland Beach Parking Lot 8 (Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue). According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, cars approach from Slater Boulevard.
• Bronx: Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Orchard Beach parking lot. According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, cars must follow park drive to the end.

Accepted Household and Automotive Materials

According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, the events accept items that are dangerous to dispose of normally because they are toxic, corrosive, or pose fire risks. Residents must bring proof of New York City residency, such as a New York State driver license or utility bill.

Accepted items include automotive products such as antifreeze, car batteries, gasoline, motor oil, and transmission fluid. The agency also accepts electronic waste, including computers and accessories, televisions, video equipment, cell phones, tablets, e-readers, video game consoles, and all accompanying cords, cables, and wiring.

Harmful household products and medical items are also accepted, including medications, syringes, needles, scalpels, and lancets. According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, plug-in appliances like microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and box fans—as well as appliances containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—are strictly prohibited.

Proper Transport and Safety Guidelines

Participants must read item labels carefully before handling and follow all directions for products marked with DANGER, POISON, or CAUTION, according to the New York City Department of Sanitation. Containers must be sealed tightly and labeled clearly.

The agency mandates that syringes and lancets be placed in leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers such as designated sharps containers. Leaky items must be packed inside larger containers utilizing absorbent material to soak up excess fluid, while items with broken glass require separate sealed bags or boxes. Mixing products or bringing open containers is prohibited, and commercial vehicles and businesses are not allowed.

How Collected Materials Are Processed

After collection, materials are routed through specialized facilities based on their classification. According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, collected items are either recycled, blended for fuel, or sent to licensed hazardous waste treatment facilities for safe disposal.

Electronics are processed, recycled, or refurbished for reuse through ERI. Additionally, unwanted medications collected at the events are managed by environmental police and subsequently incinerated to prevent unintentional poisonings or contamination of the water supply.