How to Get Rid of Old Computers, Laptops & Electronics in New York City, NY

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official New York City, New York and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • Don't put computers, monitors, laptops, printers, tablets, game consoles or cable boxes out with trash or recycling. DSNY rules carry a $100 civil penalty, and New York State bans covered electronics from the trash.
  • Drop e-waste free at a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site. There's one in each borough, open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Bring proof of NYC residency.
  • The last 2026 SAFE Disposal Event is Saturday, October 24, at Orchard Beach in the Bronx, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Apartment buildings with 10+ units can enroll in ecycleNYC for free in-building pickup.

Your options in New York City

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off sites Free

DSNY's drop-off sites accept e-waste, including the cords, cables and wiring that come with devices, from NYC residents. They're do-it-yourself, with staff to help. You must show proof of NYC residency, such as a NYS ID, driver license or utility bill. Businesses and commercial vehicles (other than rentals) are turned away. Sites are closed on legal holidays and in severe weather.

Hours
Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bronx
Hunts Point – Farragut St. and the East River, next to the Fulton Fish Market (enter on Farragut St., off Food Center Dr.)
Brooklyn
Greenpoint – 459 North Henry St. (entrance off Kingsland Ave., north of Greenpoint Ave.)
Manhattan
74 Pike Slip, between Cherry St. and South St., under the Manhattan Bridge
Queens
College Point – 30th Ave. between 120th and 122nd Sts. (NW corner of DSNY Queens District 7 garage)
Staten Island
Fresh Kills – off the Muldoon Ave. exit of the southbound West Shore Expressway, past the DSNY security booth

Sources: DSNY – Special Waste Drop-Off; NYC311 – Special Waste Disposal

SAFE Disposal Events Free

DSNY's SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammable, Electronics) events accept computers and computer accessories and TV and video equipment, along with paint and other household hazardous products. They're for NYC residential waste only, and you must bring proof of NYC residency. Events are usually held in the fall.

Next event
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Orchard Beach parking lot, Bronx (cars follow park drive to the end)

Source: NYC311 – Special Waste Disposal

ecycleNYC (apartment buildings with 10+ units) Free

NYC311 says buildings with 10 or more units can enroll in ecycleNYC, a free in-building electronics pickup. In an enrolled building, a manager or staff member requests pickup, which is guaranteed within 5 business days. Residents, buildings or management companies can apply. Landlords aren't responsible for disposing of tenants' electronics.

Source: NYC311 – Electronics Disposal

Manufacturer take-back and retailers Varies

New York's Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act requires manufacturers to offer free, convenient recycling to individuals and businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees. NYSDEC lists registered manufacturers and their programs. NYC311 also lists Best Buy, Staples, Goodwill and the Salvation Army as drop-off options, and warns that some sites charge fees or don't accept certain items.

Sources: NYSDEC – Recycling Consumer Electronic Waste; NYC311 – Electronics Disposal

Don't do this

  • Don't put electronics out with trash, recycling or bulk. It's a $100 civil penalty per violation under DSNY rules (16 RCNY § 1-04.2).
  • Don't put laptop, phone or other lithium-ion batteries in the trash. NYC says it's illegal and dangerous.
  • Wipe or remove hard drives before you recycle a computer.

Or pay someone to haul it

If you can't get it to a drop-off site, or can't wait for city pickup, a junk-removal service can take it from inside your home. Prices depend on the company, your location and the size of the load, so get a quote first. Ask whether they recycle or donate items and whether they follow New York City's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Which electronics are banned from NYC trash?

NYC311 lists TVs, monitors, computers, laptops, small servers, printers and scanners, tablets and e-readers, MP3 players, VCR/DVD/DVR players, fax machines, video game consoles, cable and satellite boxes, mice and keyboards.

Can a microwave or fan go in the trash?

Yes. NYC311 says electric appliances not covered by the state's e-waste law, such as microwaves, fans and irons, can go out curbside under normal trash or recycling rules once you remove any battery.

Is it free?

DSNY drop-off sites, SAFE events and ecycleNYC are free, and manufacturers must offer free recycling to most consumers under NY law. Retail and unaffiliated sites may charge.

Sources

All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.

  1. DSNY – Special Waste Drop-Off
  2. NYC311 – Special Waste Disposal
  3. NYC311 – Electronics Disposal
  4. Rules of the City of New York, 16 RCNY § 1-04.2 – Disposal of Electronic Waste
  5. NYSDEC – Recycling Consumer Electronic Waste