How to Handle Waste Disposal When Moving in New York

One of the biggest challenges when moving in New York City is disposing of large items like beds, sofas, and large appliances. Careless disposal could lead to fines, and some items require special handling for recycling. Here’s an overview of how to properly manage waste when moving.

Regular Waste Disposal
If you only have a few items to discard, contact your building management to place them in the designated collection area. However, if you have a large amount of waste, including bulky items, it’s best to work with a recycling company. Prepare an itemized list of what you’re discarding, as some items may need to meet specific recycling standards. You could also consider donating or auctioning usable items.

Recyclable Items
Before arranging for pickup, review which items can be recycled. Common recyclable items include:

• Aluminum lawn furniture
• Mattresses with springs
• Metal bed frames
• Cabinets
• Clothes dryers
• Crates
• Dishwashers
• Large plastic toys
• Ovens
• Shredders
• Ceramic bathtubs
• Metal sinks
• Washing machines
• Other large appliances

Non-Recyclable Items
For non-recyclable items, bundle them with other household trash and bring them to a designated disposal site. Examples include:

• Non-recyclable plastics, glass, or metals
• Empty medication containers
• Carpeting (must be cut down and bundled if large)
• Sofas without metal or wooden frames
• Damaged small appliances

Special Handling for Hazardous Items
Certain items require specialized disposal due to regulations. These include:

• Air conditioners (must have CFCs removed)
• Refrigerators and freezers (must have CFCs removed)
• Needles and syringes (dispose of at pharmacies)
• Unused medications (dispose of at pharmacies)
• Paints, chemicals, and gas cylinders (use hazardous waste facilities)

Electronics Disposal
Electronic items cannot be discarded as regular trash and may incur a $100 fine. Contact the manufacturer to see if they offer recycling services, or bring electronics to designated disposal sites. Items requiring special disposal include:

• Televisions
• Computer components (monitors, keyboards, mice, cables)
• Computer peripherals (fax machines, scanners)
• Cameras
• DVD players
• Digital set-top boxes
• Cable or satellite receivers
• Gaming consoles
• Smartphones

Extra-Large Items
For oversized items that won’t fit in a standard garbage truck, disassemble them into smaller pieces and bring them to a designated waste collection site.

Bed Bug-Infested Items
If you discover bed bugs in any furniture, attach a bed bug warning label before taking it to a designated disposal site to reduce the risk of spreading pests.

Summary
Handling waste disposal when moving in New York requires knowing the right disposal sites and specific methods for certain items. Following these steps can help avoid fines and ensure safe disposal of all items.