NYC Special Waste Drop-Off Guide: DSNY Locations, Hours, and CTK Help

8/12/25

New York City gives residents a safe, legal way to get rid of hazardous household items through DSNY’s Special Waste Drop-Off sites—think batteries, fluorescent bulbs, oil-based paint, motor oil, and electronics banned from regular trash. This guide walks you through what’s accepted, when and where to go in all five boroughs, how to prep materials (especially batteries) to avoid fires, and the little entrance details that save you from circling the block in Hunts Point, Greenpoint, the Lower East Side, College Point, or Fresh

Kills.

CTK Junk Removal makes the process easier without breaking any rules. Because the drop-off lanes are residents-only, we don’t deliver hazardous waste to DSNY sites on your behalf. What we can do is sort and label your special waste at home, prep batteries with clear tape or individual bags, stage everything for a quick trunk load, and clear out the rest —furniture, renovation debris, and non-hazardous junk—on your schedule. If driving isn’t realistic or your items fall outside DSNY’s program, we route e-waste to certified recycle, point you to nearby PaintCare locations, and use licensed facilities for compliant disposal.

Whether you’re bringing two oil filters and a few quarts of motor oil, or finally parting with a stack of old laptops and CFLs, this NYC-focused guide will help you plan the fastest route, pack safely, and avoid last-minute snags like holiday closures. And when you’re ready to pair your DSNY run with a same-day cleanout anywhere in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island, CTK is a call away.

Special Waste Drop-Off for NYC Residents

If you’ve got items in your apartment or garage that you know shouldn’t go in the regular trash, the City’s Special Waste Drop-Off sites are the safest, legally compliant way to get them out of your home. These locations are operated by DSNY for NYC residents only and are open Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with closures on legal holidays and during severe weather. Bring proof of NYC residency, such as a New York State driver license or a recent utility bill, because staff may ask to verify. The process is do-it-yourself, but there’s always a DSNY attendant on-site to give instructions and keep the line moving. Plan to wear casual clothes and work gloves, pack liquids upright in sealed containers, and keep product labels visible so staff can direct you to the right station.

What exactly can you bring? These sites are designed for hazardous household products and electronics that are dangerous or illegal to put in the trash. You can drop off aerosols, fluorescent tubes and CFLs, e‑cigarettes and vape pens, electronics covered by the New York State disposal ban, mercury‑containing devices like old thermometers and thermostats, and skin lightening products flagged for mercury content. There are also caps for certain items: up to 10 quarts per visit of motor oil and transmission fluid, up to two motor oil filters per visit, up to five gallons of paint per visit, up to four passenger car tires per visit, and up to two mercury devices per visit. Batteries are accepted in nearly all forms, including automotive batteries, rechargeable chemistries such as lithium‑ion, nickel metal hydride, nickel zinc, and nickel cadmium, and single‑use alkaline and lithium batteries. Those limits are enforced at the gate, so consolidate responsibly and plan for more than one visit if you need to.

Because batteries can spark fires, DSNY asks residents to prepare them properly before traveling. Either bag each battery individually or place clear tape over each terminal so metal cannot touch metal. Use only transparent tape so staff can still see the labels; opaque tape is not allowed. Alkaline batteries are a bit different: state guidance allows them in regular household trash, and if you do bring alkalines to a Special Waste Drop-Off site you should not tape or bag them. Before you go, store all batteries in a cool, dry container away from keys and coins, and keep e‑cigarettes or vape devices separate so the lithium cells don’t get punctured.

All five boroughs are covered, with neighborhood-specific sites that are reachable by car. In the Bronx, head to Hunts Point; the entrance is on Farragut Street off Food Center Drive, by the East River and next to the Fulton Fish Market. The approach can be confusing inside the market zone, so slow down and follow DSNY signage. In Brooklyn, the Greenpoint location is at 459 North Henry Street; enter from Kingsland Avenue just north of Greenpoint Avenue, near 530 Kingsland if you’re navigating by landmark. Manhattan residents can use 74 Pike Slip on the Lower East Side between Cherry Street and South Street, tucked under the Manhattan Bridge; the site is not easily visible from the street until you’re right there, so keep an eye on cross streets. Queens residents can drive to College Point, where the entrance is along 30th Avenue between 120th and 122nd Streets on the northwest corner of the DSNY Queens District 7 garage. On Staten Island, use the Fresh Kills facility by taking the Muldoon Avenue exit off the southbound West Shore Expressway and continuing past the DSNY security booth. A small but helpful tip: some locations aren’t clearly visible from the road, especially if you arrive at off-peak times, so trust the posted arrows and go slowly near the entrance.

Once you arrive, you’ll queue in your passenger car and unload at marked stations. These sites serve NYC residents only, and commercial vehicles or business waste are not permitted. Keep different waste types separated in your trunk, don’t mix chemicals in a single box, and never bring unknown or leaking containers. Because hours are fixed and weather can shut operations down, it’s wise to check 311 or search “DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off” the morning you plan to go.

As a local service, CTK Junk Removal is all about making responsible disposal easier. We don’t bring hazardous waste to DSNY sites because those drop-offs must be made by residents in personal vehicles, but we can help you get ready. Our team can sort and label what you’ve set aside, package batteries with clear tape or individual bags to meet fire safety guidance, and load your vehicle curbside so your trip is quick and compliant. For items that aren’t allowed at Special Waste Drop-Off—think furniture, renovation debris, nonhazardous junk, or large cleanouts—we offer fast, fully licensed pickups across every borough. If you’re dealing with electronics and would prefer a pickup instead of driving, we can route them to certified e‑waste recycle that comply with New York State rules, and for leftover latex or oil-based paint we can also point you to nearby PaintCare retail drop sites if that’s more convenient than the city facility. Whether you’re headed to Hunts Point, Greenpoint, the Lower East Side, College Point, or Fresh Kills, use the city sites for hazardous household products and call CTK when you want a hand preparing safely or clearing out everything else.

Who Should Use NYC's Special Waste Drop-Off Sites

If you’re a New York City resident with a few hazardous household items that you can safely transport yourself, you’re exactly the person these Special Waste Drop-Off sites are designed for. Think of the weekend garage declutter, the small apartment purge, or the “we finally replaced those fluorescent tubes” moment. When you’re dealing with things that shouldn’t go in regular trash or recycling—like aerosols, e‑cigarettes and vape pens, fluorescent bulbs and CFLs, batteries of nearly every chemistry (lead acid, lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride, nickel zinc, nickel cadmium, and even single‑use alkaline and lithium), electronics covered by New York State’s disposal ban, motor oil and transmission fluid, oil filters, paint, passenger car tires, mercury-containing devices, and even certain skin lightening products—the DSNY sites are the right destination. They’re set up for DIY drop-off, with staff on hand to point you to the correct bin and answer questions, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring work gloves for easy handling.

The program is for residents only, which means a quick proof-of-residency check may happen at the gate; a NYS driver license or a utility bill with your NYC address is typically fine. Commercial vehicles, business waste, and contractor loads are not permitted, and that’s a bright line—if you’re a business owner or tradesperson, you’ll need a licensed commercial solution. CTK Junk Removal can help you navigate compliant options for business and construction waste, and we’ll also separate out anything that must go through a specialized channel.

For households, there are reasonable per-visit limits designed for safety and fairness. Plan on up to 10 quarts of motor or transmission fluid, two oil filters, five gallons of paint, four passenger car tires, and two mercury-containing items. The staff will take small quantities of solvents, aerosols, and similar materials at the same time. Batteries require a little prep before you arrive: bag each one individually or cover the terminals with clear tape to prevent short circuits; avoid opaque tape since staff need to see connections. Alkaline batteries are allowed in regular trash under current guidance and, if you bring them anyway, don’t bag or tape those.

Timing and access matter in a city as busy as ours. Sites operate Thursday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and they close on legal holidays and during severe weather. A few entrances can be easy to miss from the street, so plan your route in advance. In the Bronx, head to Hunts Point via Farragut Street off Food Center Drive, right by the East River next to the Fulton Fish Market. Brooklyn’s site sits in Greenpoint at 459 North Henry Street, with the entrance off Kingsland Avenue just north of Greenpoint Avenue near 530 Kingsland. Manhattan’s drop-off is tucked under the Manhattan Bridge at 74 Pike Slip between Cherry Street and South Street, a Lower East Side/Two Bridges landmark that keeps traffic manageable. Queens residents can use the College Point location on 30th Avenue between 120th and 122nd Streets at the northwest corner of the DSNY Queens District 7 garage. Staten Island’s facility is accessed from the southbound West Shore Expressway via the Muldoon Avenue exit; you’ll pass the DSNY security booth as you enter the Fresh Kills complex.

So who should make the trip? Renters and homeowners who can fit everything into a trunk or hatchback and prefer a no-cost, city-run option. Anyone clearing out a small stash of paint cans from a closet, dropping off an old flat-screen TV, or gathering up vape pens and button cells from drawers will find the experience straightforward. It’s also a great fit for DIY mechanics with a few quarts of used motor oil or a couple of filters, and for drivers swapping out a set of passenger tires who kept the old four.

And who might want help from CTK Junk Removal instead? If you don’t have a car, if stairs and heavy items make self-transport tough, or if your volume exceeds the per-visit caps, our team can step in with safe, legal alternatives. We regularly handle same-day removal of non-hazardous clutter and bulky items citywide, and we’ll build a plan that keeps hazardous materials compliant—whether that means coaching you on battery prep, coordinating manufacturer take-back for electronics covered by the NYS ban, pointing you to PaintCare locations for larger paint quantities, or scheduling retailer drop spots for rechargeable batteries. Because DSNY sites are for residents only and do not accept commercial vehicles, we don’t deliver hazardous items there on your behalf; instead, we make the process doable by sorting, labeling, and staging your materials so your personal drop-off is quick, or by routing eligible items through approved alternatives when a DSNY visit isn’t possible.

A small note before you go: pack items upright in sturdy boxes, keep liquids sealed, and separate batteries from metal tools to avoid sparks. Traffic ebbs and flows, especially near the Manhattan and Brooklyn sites, so arriving earlier in the day can save time. With a bit of prep, these Thursday–Saturday drop-offs become a smooth part of your decluttering routine—and when you need an extra set of hands or a comprehensive NYC junk removal service to handle everything else, CTK Junk Removal is ready to help.

The main benefits of NYC's Special Waste Drop-Off (and how CTK can help you make the most of it)

Using the city’s Special Waste Drop-Off sites gives NYC residents a safe, legal, and remarkably practical way to clear out hazardous household items that don’t belong in regular trash or recycling. If you’ve got lithium-ion batteries, fluorescent bulbs, oil-based paint, motor oil, or old electronics cluttering up a closet, these locations let you dispose of them without risking fines, building violations, or dangerous mishaps. Because electronics are covered by a New York State disposal ban and certain batteries can ignite when tossed out improperly, taking advantage of Special Waste Drop-Off protects your home, your building staff, and the sanitation workers who keep our streets clean.

Another major benefit is convenience across all five boroughs. Whether you’re in the Bronx at Hunts Point by the Fulton Fish Market, in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint on North Henry Street just off Kingsland Avenue, on the Lower East Side at 74 Pike Slip under the Manhattan Bridge, in Queens at the College Point site on 30th Avenue near the DSNY District 7 garage, or on Staten Island near Fresh Kills off the Muldoon Avenue exit on the West Shore Expressway, there’s a designated spot within city limits. Hours are consistent—Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.—so you can plan a quick run at a time that works. Keep in mind a practical detail many New Yorkers appreciate once they’re on the road: a few entrances aren’t obvious from the street, so save the exact directions before you go. And since sites close on legal holidays and during severe weather, a quick check for service alerts can spare you a wasted trip.

The breadth of items accepted is a quiet superpower of these sites. You can bring aerosols, e‑cigarettes and vape pens, fluorescent tubes and CFLs, passenger car tires, skin lightening products, and mercury-containing devices in small quantities, along with automotive and rechargeable batteries of many chemistries, plus single-use alkaline and lithium batteries. They’ll also take motor oil and transmission fluid—up to 10 quarts per visit—used oil filters—up to two—paint—up to five gallons—and as many eligible electronics as you’ve got space to carry. Those caps per visit help keep operations smooth and safe. Battery prep is straightforward but essential for fire prevention: bag each battery individually or cover its terminals with clear tape; don’t use opaque tape that hides terminals from staff. Alkaline batteries can legally go in the trash, but if you’re making the trip anyway, it’s smarter to bring them and keep them out of landfills.

The process itself is designed to be simple. It’s DIY drop-off, with DSNY staff nearby to guide you if you’re unsure where something goes. Dress casually, slip on work gloves, and have proof of NYC residency ready—a New York State driver license or a recent utility bill usually does the trick. These sites are strictly for residents, not businesses, and commercial vehicles aren’t allowed. That clear line builds trust and keeps wait times manageable, another quiet advantage when you’ve carved out a small window between school drop-off and weekend errands.

There’s also a bigger community benefit at play. By steering chemicals, heavy metals, and flammable materials into the right stream, you reduce the risk of truck fires, keep toxins out of wastewater systems, and support responsible electronics recycling. Over time, those choices protect air quality, limit pest issues around buildings, and push valuable materials back into the circular economy rather than into landfills.

If your schedule or mobility makes weekday or Saturday trips tough, CTK Junk Removal is a helpful partner. We regularly help NYC residents sort what belongs at Special Waste Drop-Off versus items that require different handling, pre-pack and label your materials, and even load your personal vehicle so your visit is as fast and compliant as possible. Because DSNY sites are residents-only and don’t accept commercial vehicles, we don’t deliver on your behalf. Instead, for anything that can’t go to DSNY—oversized volumes, non-accepted materials, or after-hours needs—we transport to licensed facilities and provide documentation so you know your disposal met NYC and NYS rules. During full apartment cleanouts, our crews separate special waste from donations, recycling, and general debris, which means you get a tidy home in one sweep and a clear plan for the DSNY portion.

A few smart habits will amplify the benefits. Plan for the Thursday–Saturday, 9 to 5 window, keep liquids upright and tightly sealed, avoid mixing different chemicals together, and keep original labels when possible so staff can identify contents. Tuck a utility bill into your bag in case residency is checked, and if you’ve got more than the per-visit caps—say, more than four tires or more than five gallons of paint—split it into multiple trips or reach out to CTK to map a compliant disposal plan. The result is a cleaner home, a safer building, and the peace of mind that comes from doing it the right way in New York City.

How to Get Started with NYC Special Waste Drop-Off

If you’ve sorted out paints, batteries, old electronics, and other hazardous household products and you’re ready to use a Special Waste Drop-Off site, start by checking two basics: hours and eligibility. Sites are open Thursday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and they’re closed on legal holidays and during severe weather. These locations are for NYC residents only and they do not accept businesses or commercial vehicles, so plan to arrive in a personal car or SUV with proof of residency in hand, like a New York State driver license or a recent utility bill. It’s a DIY drop, but DSNY staff are on site to provide instruction and help direct traffic.

Next, decide which borough site is most convenient and map the exact entrance before you head out. Some sites aren’t clearly visible from the road, and the entrances can be easy to miss if you rely on a simple pin. In the Bronx, the Hunts Point location sits by the East River next to the Fulton Fish Market; enter via Farragut Street off Food Center Drive. Brooklyn’s Greenpoint spot is at 459 North Henry Street; look for the entrance off Kingsland Avenue north of Greenpoint Avenue, near 530 Kingsland. In Manhattan, the site is under the Manhattan Bridge at 74 Pike Slip between Cherry Street and South Street—if you see bridge columns, you’re close. Queens residents should aim for College Point on 30th Avenue between 120th and 122nd Streets, at the northwest corner of the DSNY Queens District 7 garage. On Staten Island, use the Muldoon Avenue exit off the southbound West Shore Expressway; pass the DSNY security booth and follow signs into Fresh Kills. A quick look at a satellite map before you leave can save a few loops around the block.

Before loading your car, separate what you’re bringing and note the per-visit limits. Paint is accepted up to five gallons per visit, so consolidate those half-used latex and oil-based cans and make sure lids are secured. Motor oil and transmission fluid are accepted up to ten quarts per visit; keep liquids upright and avoid mixing different fluids. You can also bring up to two motor oil filters, four passenger car tires, and two mercury-containing devices such as older thermostats or thermometers. Other common items include aerosols, fluorescent tubes and CFLs, e-cigarettes and vape pens, skin lightening products, and a broad range of batteries. Electronics covered by New York State’s disposal ban— laptops, desktops, printers, TVs, and related peripherals—are welcomed as well, making this a reliable option for responsible electronics disposal in NYC.

Battery preparation takes a minute but it matters for fire prevention. For rechargeable types and other chemistries that can spark—think lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-zinc, and nickel-cadmium—either bag each battery individually or cover each terminal with clear tape. Avoid opaque tape; staff need to see labels and ends. Alkaline batteries are the exception: they can go in your regular trash if you’d rather not make a trip, and if you do bring them to the drop-off, do not bag or tape them. If a battery is swollen or damaged, place it in a nonmetal container by itself and tell staff when you arrive.

Dress like you’re doing a light garage cleanout. Casual clothes and work gloves make handling containers less stressful, and a few old towels or cardboard sheets in your trunk will keep things from sliding. Keep chemicals in their original containers whenever possible so staff can identify contents quickly. Don’t combine or re-bottle products, and never mix different liquids. When you roll up, follow staff directions; they’ll show you where to set items, answer questions, and make sure each material goes to the right stream.

Because access and closures can change during storms or holidays, check the DSNY site the morning of your trip. If you’re juggling a larger apartment cleanout or an estate project and you’ve found a mix of hazardous and non-hazardous items, a two-part plan works well. Use the Special Waste Drop-Off for paints, oils, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and electronics, then schedule CTK Junk Removal for everything else—furniture, mattresses, renovation debris, metal, cardboard, and bulky household junk that isn’t allowed at the drop-off or is simply too much to haul yourself. While CTK Junk Removal cannot deliver hazardous materials to DSNY on your behalf, our team can help you sort, stage, and label those items at home so your drop goes quickly, and we’ll clear the rest the same day, keeping your move-out or renovation on schedule.

Handled this way, Special Waste Drop-Off becomes a straightforward habit: verify hours, pick the right entrance, prep items with the limits in mind, and bring proof you live in NYC. You’ll leave with a lighter trunk, safer home storage, and the confidence that your hazardous household products were handled the right way.

Best Time to Use NYC Special Waste Drop-Off (and How to Make It Smooth)

If you’re timing a run to a Special Waste Drop-Off site, think like a New Yorker who knows the rhythm of the city. The sites operate Thursday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and they close on legal holidays and during severe weather. That schedule alone shapes the flow. The quietest windows are usually right at opening on Thursday and Friday and again in the mid‑afternoon lull between about 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays tend to draw the biggest crowds, especially late morning after brunch and in the final hour before closing, so if Saturday is your only option, plan for an early start and leave yourself buffer time. Always check weather, since heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat can trigger closures, and arrivals surge as soon as a weather hold lifts.

Seasonally, spring cleaning months and the weeks after lease turnovers bring the heaviest lines, as do fall weekends when people clear out garages and storage. If you’re dropping paint, remember contractors and DIYers create a spike in late spring and summer; going Thursday morning often helps you avoid a queue at the paint station. Electronics and battery disposal surges right after the holidays and in September when students move, so targeting a Friday afternoon can be a sweet spot. Avoid the first hour after a major holiday and the final hour of any day, because end‑of‑day rushes create unnecessary pressure and staff may need to cut the line to close on time.

A little route planning pays off because some sites are not obvious from the main road. In the Bronx, aim for Hunts Point and navigate to Farragut Street along the East River next to the Fulton Fish Market, then enter via Farragut off Food Center Drive; the entrance is easy to miss if you rely only on a pin. In Brooklyn, head to 459 North Henry Street in Greenpoint and look for the entrance off Kingsland Avenue just north of Greenpoint Avenue near 530 Kingsland; truck traffic and one‑way streets can slow things, so avoid peak commuter hours. In Manhattan, steer under the Manhattan Bridge to 74 Pike Slip between Cherry and South Streets; late morning deliveries on the Lower East Side can clog side streets, so arrive early or after lunch. In Queens, drive to 30th Avenue between 120th and 122nd Streets in College Point and aim for the northwest corner of the DSNY Queens District 7 garage; weekend sports traffic in the area can add a few minutes. On Staten Island, take the southbound West Shore Expressway and exit at Muldoon Avenue for Fresh Kills, then continue past the DSNY security booth; it’s straightforward once you’re on the right exit, but give yourself time if you’re coming from the North Shore.

Your speed at the site depends on prep. Pack smart with items separated and labeled so staff can confirm eligibility quickly. Accepted household hazards include aerosols, automotive and rechargeable batteries like lead acid, lithium‑ion, nickel metal hydride, nickel‑zinc, and nickel‑cadmium, as well as single‑use batteries such as alkaline and lithium, plus electronics that are covered by the New York State disposal ban, e‑cigarettes and vape pens, fluorescent tubes and CFLs, motor oil and transmission fluid up to ten quarts per visit, motor oil filters up to two per visit, paint up to five gallons per visit, passenger car tires up to four per visit, mercury‑containing devices up to two per visit, and certain skin lightening products. Battery safety is non‑negotiable: either bag each battery individually or cover its terminals with clear tape only; avoid opaque tape because staff must see the terminals. Alkaline batteries are allowed in regular household trash in NYC, and the sites will accept them if you prefer, but do not bag or tape alkalines. If you show up with a box of mixed, loose batteries, expect a longer unload while you sort.

This is a do‑it‑yourself drop‑off for residents, not businesses, and no commercial vehicles are permitted. Bring proof of NYC residency such as a New York State driver license or a current utility bill. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and simple work gloves, because you’ll be handling your items. DSNY staff are on‑site and ready to point you to the right station, answer questions, and keep things safe; they’ll guide you, but you’re responsible for unloading. To avoid a return trip, honor the per‑visit limits for liquids, filters, tires, paint, and mercury devices. If you’re decluttering a whole apartment and you’re close to those caps, break the job into two weekday visits or plan one visit per week across a few weeks; that staggered timing often means shorter lines and less stress.

Traffic and parking realities matter too. On the Manhattan site, alternate‑side parking schedules can constrict curb space, so ride‑share or a compact car helps. In Brooklyn and Queens, industrial zones around the sites see heavy truck volumes from mid‑morning to mid‑afternoon; arriving right at 9:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. usually means easier maneuvering. Bronx deliveries to the Fulton Fish Market can create predawn congestion, but that wave thins by the time gates open. Staten Island residents often see the smoothest flow late Friday morning after school drop‑off traffic clears.

If you can’t make the Thursday to Saturday window, or if you’ve got mixed loads that include regular junk, furniture, and non‑hazardous items alongside a small set of hazardous materials, split the job to save time. CTK Junk Removal can handle the furniture, appliances, and non‑hazardous clutter on your schedule anywhere in the five boroughs, then you can reserve a fast, lightweight run to the Special Waste Drop‑Off for the batteries, paint, oils, and electronics. We’ll even help you sort and label at pickup, provide guidance on battery prep with clear tape and individual bagging, and share up‑to‑date DSNY advisories so your drop‑off is as quick as possible. Because the sites are residents‑only and prohibit commercial vehicles, we won’t deliver your hazardous items, but we will streamline everything else so your actual time on site is measured in minutes, not hours.

Finally, always give your plan a quick same‑day check. Severe weather alerts, a legal holiday you forgot about, or a borough‑specific closure can change the picture. A thirty‑second confirm and an early‑day arrival are the two simplest hacks for a smooth Special Waste Drop-Off in NYC.

Where NYC Residents Can Use Special Waste Drop-Off Sites (All Five Boroughs)

If you’re planning a safe drop-off this week, the City’s Special Waste locations are open Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and they close on legal holidays and during severe weather. It’s always smart to confirm status before you go, since some sites are tucked inside industrial areas and aren’t obvious from the street. The Department of Sanitation keeps a current overview of hours, closures, and rules on its Special Waste Disposal page, and you can also check service alerts for weather-related changes through DSNY’s service updates. Both are linked below.

All five boroughs have a site, each with entrance directions that matter. In the Bronx, head to Hunts Point by the East River; the entrance is via Farragut Street off Food Center Drive, next to the Fulton Fish Market. Brooklyn’s site sits in Greenpoint at 459 North Henry Street; use the entrance off Kingsland Avenue just north of Greenpoint Avenue, near 530 Kingsland. Manhattan’s drop-off is on the Lower East Side at 74 Pike Slip between Cherry Street and South Street, under the Manhattan Bridge. In Queens, go to College Point on 30th Avenue between 120th and 122nd Streets, at the northwest corner of the DSNY Queens District 7 garage. Staten Island’s facility is reached from the southbound West Shore Expressway via the Muldoon Avenue exit; continue past the DSNY security booth toward the Fresh Kills site. Because a few of these entrances can be easy to miss, pull up the DSNY map before you leave and double-check the approach roads.

What you can bring is fairly broad, with a few per-visit caps. Residents routinely drop off aerosols; automotive, rechargeable, and single-use batteries; fluorescent tubes and CFLs; e-cigarettes and vape pens; and electronics covered by New York State’s disposal ban. Liquids and auto-related items are allowed within limits, including up to 10 quarts of motor oil, up to two oil filters, and up to five gallons of paint per visit. You can also bring up to four passenger car tires and up to two mercury-containing devices, along with regulated skin lightening products. DSNY staff are on site to point you to the right bins and answer questions, but it’s a do‑it‑yourself process, so dress casually and bring work gloves if you have them.

A few rules keep everything moving smoothly. These sites are strictly for NYC residents; businesses and commercial vehicles aren’t permitted. Proof of city residency may be requested at the gate, so carry a driver’s license, state ID, or a recent utility bill with your name and address. Pack items so they’re easy to unload, and keep chemicals in their original containers whenever possible.

Batteries deserve extra care because of fire risk. Before you go, either bag each battery individually or cover its terminals with clear tape so staff can see the labeling; avoid opaque tape that hides the terminals. Alkaline batteries are legal to throw out in regular household trash in NYC, and you don’t need to bag or tape them if you choose to bring them to Special Waste, but lithium, lead acid, and other rechargeable chemistries should always be isolated and taped or bagged.

If you’re unsure whether your item is accepted or you need a quick eligibility refresher, review DSNY’s Special Waste guidance and NYC311’s program details, both of which outline what’s in, what’s out, and what to bring to verify residency. And if the limited hours or transportation are a barrier, CTK Junk Removal can help with safe pickup of household hazards like paint, electronics, and batteries, then route them to approved facilities. We never use resident-only drop-off lanes, and we follow city and state rules so your materials get handled the right way.

Helpful official resources:

DSNY Special Waste Disposal: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/what-we-do/programs/special-waste-drop-off.page
DSNY Service Alerts (holiday and weather closures): https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/events/index.page
NYC311 Special Waste program overview: NYC 311 Special Waste Disposal

Special Waste Drop-Off in NYC: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Special Waste Drop-Off site?

Special Waste Drop-Off sites are DSNY facilities where NYC residents can safely dispose of hazardous household products and electronics that are illegal or dangerous to put in regular trash or recycling. Think batteries, fluorescent bulbs, oil-based paint, motor oil, and e-waste.

Who can use these sites?

NYC residents only. Bring proof of residency—an NYS driver license, IDNYC, or a recent utility bill with your city address. No businesses, no commercial vehicles.

What are the hours?

Thursday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sites close on legal holidays and may close during severe weather. If conditions look iffy, check DSNY announcements before heading out.

Where are the locations and how do I find the entrances?

All five boroughs have a site. Some are not obvious from the street, so use these entrance notes:

Bronx (Hunts Point): Farragut St & East River, next to the Fulton Fish Market. Enter via Farragut St off Food Center Dr.
Brooklyn (Greenpoint): 459 North Henry St. Entrance is off Kingsland Ave, north of Greenpoint Ave (near 530 Kingsland).
Manhattan (Lower East Side/Two Bridges): 74 Pike Slip, between Cherry St and South St, under the Manhattan Bridge.
Queens (College Point): 30th Ave between 120th and 122nd Sts, on the northwest corner of the DSNY Queens District 7 garage.
Staten Island (Fresh Kills): Access from the Muldoon Ave exit off the southbound West Shore Expressway; drive past the DSNY security booth.

What items are accepted?

Household hazardous items and select hard-to-dispose-of materials:

Aerosols
Batteries: automotive; rechargeable (lead acid, lithium-ion, Ni-MH, Ni-ZN, Ni-Cd); single-use (alkaline, lithium)
Electronics (covered by the New York State disposal ban)
E‑cigarettes and vape pens
Fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs
Motor oil and transmission fluid (up to 10 quarts per visit)
Motor oil filters (up to 2 per visit)
Paint (up to 5 gallons per visit)
Passenger car tires (up to 4 per visit)
Mercury-containing devices (up to 2 per visit)
Skin lightening products that contain hazardous ingredients

Are there per-visit limits?

Yes. Common caps include 10 quarts of oil, 2 oil filters, 5 gallons of paint, 4 tires, and 2 mercury devices per visit. Electronics and batteries are accepted in household quantities; if you have a large volume, plan multiple trips.

How should I prepare batteries for drop-off?

Fire safety is critical.

Bag each battery individually or cover the terminals with clear tape.
Do not use opaque tape.
Alkaline batteries can legally go in the regular trash; the sites will accept them, but do not bag or tape alkalines.

Do I need to package other items a certain way?

Keep liquids upright and in original containers when possible.
Separate chemicals so they don’t mix or leak.
Place bulbs in a box or sleeve to prevent breakage.
Avoid overfilling a single container; multiple small containers are safer to handle.

Can I get help on-site?

Yes. It’s DIY drop-off, but DSNY staff are available to instruct and assist. Wear casual clothing and work gloves to make unloading easier.

Do these sites accept commercial or contractor waste?

No. These facilities are for NYC residents only. If you’re a business or a contractor, use a licensed hazardous waste vendor. CTK Junk Removal can help commercial clients find compliant solutions for items we’re permitted to handle and can connect you with licensed partners for regulated materials.

What about electronics—are they really banned from the trash?

Yes. Under New York State law, covered electronics (like TVs, computers, monitors, printers) cannot go in the trash. Bring them to a Special Waste Drop-Off site or use a

dedicated e-waste program.

Are the sites free to use?

They’re intended for residents disposing of household quantities. Policies can change; verify details on DSNY’s site before you go.

What if I can’t visit during Thursday–Saturday hours or I don’t have a car?

Options to consider:

Plan multiple small trips using ride-share or a friend’s vehicle.
Use a pickup service. CTK Junk Removal offers scheduled pickups across all five boroughs and routes accepted materials to compliant facilities. We can also remove bulky junk the city won’t take, so you can solve everything in one appointment.

Can I bring everything in one visit if I have a lot?

If your load exceeds per-visit caps, split it into multiple visits. For larger cleanouts—estate clearances, garage or basement cleanups—CTK Junk Removal can consolidate and legally manage mixed loads, separating special waste for proper handling.

Any tips for a smooth drop-off?

Go early to avoid lines.
Bring proof of residency.
Pre-sort items in your trunk by category (batteries together, bulbs together, liquids upright).
Use clear tape for battery terminals and label containers if originals are missing.
Follow posted signs; some entrances are tucked away or under bridges.

What items are not accepted?

Rules can vary and change. If your item isn’t on the accepted list above, assume it may be restricted and check DSNY guidance. When in doubt, call before you haul. CTK Junk Removal can also advise on legal disposal paths and, when appropriate, transport items to the correct facilities.

How does this compare to regular NYC trash and recycling?

Regular collection does not accept hazardous household products or most electronics. Special Waste Drop-Off sites fill that gap, ensuring safe, environmentally responsible disposal for materials that can harm sanitation workers or cause fires in trucks.

Need help today?

If a weekday-only schedule or transportation is a blocker, CTK Junk Removal can pick up batteries, e-waste, paint, motor oil, fluorescent bulbs, and more in household quantities, then transfer them to appropriate facilities—all while handling your non-hazardous junk in the same visit. Serving the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island with flexible scheduling and transparent pricing.

Next Steps for Safe Special Waste Disposal in NYC

With a little prep, DSNY’s Special Waste Drop-Off becomes a smooth, Thursday–Saturday ritual that keeps your home safer and your building compliant. Confirm hours and weather holds, map the exact entrance for your borough, and pack items so staff can spot labels quickly—especially batteries with clear tape over the terminals. Use the city sites for hazardous household materials, then lean on CTK Junk Removal for everything else.

Your quick checklist:

Verify DSNY hours and service alerts the morning you go
Bring proof of NYC residency and keep liquids sealed and upright
Prep batteries with clear tape or individual bags; don’t tape alkalines
Separate categories in your trunk to speed up unloading
Split larger volumes into multiple visits to stay within per-visit caps
Book CTK for non-hazardous junk, bulky items, and compliant e-waste routing

From Greenpoint to Hunts Point, Pike Slip to College Point, and Fresh Kills, you’ve got a safe place to drop off special waste—and a local NYC junk removal team ready to handle the rest. When you want an easy, legal, and fast cleanout, CTK Junk Removal is ready to help citywide.

Call us for a free quote today at (929) 583-5213 or visit us to book; www.ctkjunkremoval.com

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