Need something else?

The City does not collect medical trash, except for syringes used in a residence.

Sharps Disposal

You can bring properly packaged and labeled used syringes and lancets (also known as "sharps") to any hospital or nursing home in New York State. NY hospitals and nursing homes are required by law to act as collection centers. You should contact the hospital or nursing home first for specific drop-off days and times.

Many local pharmacies and healthcare providers who provide sharps also participate in the voluntary sharps collection program.

View a map of pharmaceutical and sharps drop-off locations.

You can also drop off sharps at a SAFE Disposal Event.

If you aren't using a sharps disposal program:

  • Place the sharps in a leak-proof, puncture-resistant container.
  • When the container is full, seal the lid securely, tape it closed, and label the container “Home Sharps - not for recycling."
  • Place the container with trash for regular trash collection.

Don't put syringes or lancets or sharps containers with recycling.

Learn more about used syringe and lancet disposal.

Other Medical Waste

Learn how to dispose of medical waste other than syringes and needles.

You can also hire a licensed carter.

Get a list of licensed and registered carting companies.

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

You can report improper syringe or sharp disposal.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for assistance.

You can file a complaint against a hospital or nursing home that does not accept syringes or lancets for safe disposal.

  • Agency: New York State Department of Health
  • Division: Growing Up Healthy Hotline
  • Phone Number: (800) 522-5006
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

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