The Department of Sanitation does not collect pressurized oxygen or acetylene tanks because they can explode when compressed by garbage trucks.

You should exchange old pressurized oxygen and acetylene tanks when purchasing a new cylinder.

If the retailer refuses to accept the old cylinder, or you aren't buying a new one, contact another dealer about correct disposal. Welding equipment and scrap metal dealers may accept old cylinders.

You can also drop off a tank at a SAFE Disposal Event. Events are held every spring and fall.

View the Fire Code.

You can dispose of your special waste at SAFE Disposal Events (Solvents, Automotive, Flammable, Electronics). SAFE Events are held in the spring and fall.

Only residential waste from New York City is accepted. Commercial waste and commercial vehicles aren't allowed at SAFE Events.

Learn more about SAFE Disposal Events.

Items Accepted

  • Automotive products
    • Antifreeze
    • Car batteries
    • Gasoline
    • Motor oil
    • Transmission fluid
  • Batteries
  • Cleaning products
  • Corrosive liquids
  • Cosmetics or beauty products
    • Hair developer
    • Nail polish
  • Electronics
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Flammable liquids
  • Gas, helium, oxygen, or propane tanks
  • Ink or toner cartridges
  • Lawn and garden care products
  • Light bulbs (compact fluorescent or tubes)
  • Medical waste
    • Medication
    • Sharps (syringes, lancets)
  • ​Paint
    • Paint cans
    • Spray paint
  • Thermometers and thermostats

Items Not Accepted

  • Appliances with CFC or Freon
    • Air conditioners
    • Dehumidifiers
    • Refrigerators or freezers
  • Asbestos
  • Commercial waste
  • Cooking oil or grease
  • Tires
  • Waste generated from outside New York City

Upcoming SAFE Events

Each event is from 10 AM to 4 PM, rain or shine.

Saturday, April 1
Staten Island
Midland Beach Parking Lot 8
Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue
Vehicle entrance accessible from Slater Boulevard

Sunday, April 16
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
Vehicle entrance at Clinton Wharf
Pedestrian walk-in area available

Saturday, April 29
Bronx
Orchard Beach Parking Lot
Vehicle entrance at Park Drive (end of road)

Saturday, June 3
Queens
Astoria Park Parking Lot
Vehicle entrance accessible from Ditmars Boulevard to 21st Street
Pedestrian walk-in area available

Sunday, June 11
Manhattan
Columbia University/Teacher’s College
West 120th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
Vehicle entrance accessible from Seminary Row to Amsterdam Avenue
Pedestrian walk-in area available

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