Medical Waste Disposal

Need something else?

Special Waste Disposal for medicine or prescription drugs
Loose Syringes to report loose syringes or medical needles on public property

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.

Medicine

Printed materials that come with prescription medication should be referred to for specific disposal instructions.

Most prescription drugs should be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter) and put in impermeable, non-descript containers (such as empty cans or sealable bags) before throwing them out in the trash.

COVID-19 Test Kits

Throw out COVID-19 test kits with your regular trash. These test kits are not considered medical waste.

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

Only residential waste from New York City is accepted. You must bring a valid ID and proof of NYC residency, such as a phone or utility bill.

Commercial waste and commercial vehicles are not allowed at SAFE Events.

Learn more about SAFE Disposal Events.

Upcoming SAFE Events

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Manhattan
Union Square Park, North Plaza
South side of 17th Street between Park Avenue South and Broadway
Cars approach from Park Avenue South and 20th Street
10 AM to 4 PM

Saturday, September 26, 2026
Queens
Cunningham Park
Ball field parking lot
Cars enter on Francis Lewis Boulevard between Union Turnpike and Grand Central Parkway
10 AM to 4 PM

Sunday, October 11, 2026
Brooklyn
Floyd Bennett Field
Flatbush Avenue/Marine Parkway
Cars enter along Flatbush Avenue and make a left into the main entrance immediately before the toll bridge
10 AM to 4 PM

Saturday, October 17, 2026
Staten Island
Midland Beach Parking Lot 8
Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue
Cars approach from Slater Boulevard
10 AM to 4 PM

Saturday, October 24, 2026
Bronx
Orchard Beach
Parking lot
Cars follow park drive to the end
10 AM to 4 PM

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
- Computers and computer accessories
- TV and video equipment
- Additional items
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

You can report improper syringe or sharp disposal.

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

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

Agency: New York State Department of Health
Division: Hospital Complaints Hotline
Phone Number: (800) 804-5447
Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM

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

Agency: New York State Department of Health
Division: Nursing Home Complaint Hotline
Phone Number: (888) 201-4563
Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4:45 PM
Staff is available during business hours, except State and Federal Holidays. Leave a message after hours and you'll get a call back.

Medical Waste Disposal

SAFE Disposal Events

Report Improper Disposal

Hospital Refusing Sharps

Nursing Home Refusing Sharps

Was this information helpful? Yes No