That bent shovel. The half-empty bag of ice melt. The snow blower that finally had it.
Every spring, the same stuff surfaces, and you're left figuring out what to do with it. What you can toss, donate, recycle, or repurpose depends entirely on what you've got. Here's the full breakdown.
Leftover Ice Melt and Sidewalk Salt Disposal
Here's the good news about leftover ice melt and sidewalk salt: you may not need to get rid of them at all. Neither is considered hazardous, and neither expires. If there's product left in the bag, seal it tight and store it somewhere dry. It'll be ready when the first frost hits next fall.
If you need to get rid of ice melt or salt, place it in the garbage. Do not pour it down a drain or dump it on your lawn. Salt dissolved in soil kills grass and can leach deeper, causing more damage.
Shovels, Snow Brushes, and Winter Gear: Trash or Donate?
Standard plastic or metal snow shovels and snow brushes go in the garbage. They are not accepted for curbside recycling in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. They're not EcoDrop items either. If you think these items are still useful, consider donating before tossing.
The same goes for jackets, snow pants, and boots. Anything wearable and in decent shape is worth passing along rather than sending to the landfill.
Electric Snow Shovels and Rechargeable Snow Tools: EcoDrop
This is where it gets a little more specific, and where getting it right actually matters. EcoDrop Utica and EcoDrop Rome accept electric snow shovels with a cord. Residents can drop them off year-round, free of charge.
If your snow tool runs on a rechargeable battery, EcoDrop accepts both — but the tool and battery go to separate areas. Remove the battery before you arrive if you can. If the battery is built in, bring the item as-is and flag an attendant when you get there. They'll point you in the right direction.
One important distinction to note: rechargeable batteries — laptop, cell phone, and tool batteries — are accepted at EcoDrop Utica and EcoDrop Rome year-round. Meanwhile, standard single-use alkaline batteries — your everyday AA, AAA, and C batteries — are not an EcoDrop item. Those go in your regular household garbage.
Snow Blower Disposal: Scrap Metal at EcoDrop
A gas-powered snow blower that's seen its last season doesn't belong at the curb or in a dumpster. OHSWA accepts snow blowers as scrap metal at both EcoDrop locations, but there are a few steps to take first.
- Drain the gas and oil completely
- Remove the tires before bringing it in
Scrap metal recycling is free for residents at EcoDrop, and it's a better end for the machine than a landfill. Once it's prepped, the drop-off is straightforward.
A reminder that we accept gas, oil, and tires at our facilities. Gasoline is categorized as Household Hazardous Waste and is accepted at EcoDrop Utica from April to September only. Oil and tires are accepted at both EcoDrop locations year-round.
Space Heaters and Other Winter Electronics: Also EcoDrop
Both EcoDrops accept appliances and electronic items year-round, including space heaters. If you're unsure whether a winter electric item qualifies, just ask an attendant when you arrive. The dumpsters and drop areas are all clearly labeled, and the staff is there to help.
Household Hazardous Waste: Utica Only, April Through September
If you're doing a deeper end-of-season cleanout and come across paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, or other household hazardous waste, mark your calendar.
OHSWA's household hazardous waste program is available at EcoDrop Utica only, and only from April 1 through September 30. No appointment needed for residents, and there's no charge for hazardous waste disposal at EcoDrop.
Quick Answers for Oneida and Herkimer County Residents
- Can I put leftover ice melt or sidewalk salt in my recycling bin?
No. It goes in the regular garbage. Better yet, seal it up and save it for next winter. - Where can I dispose of a snow blower in Oneida or Herkimer County?
Drain the gas and oil, remove the tires, and bring it to EcoDrop Utica or EcoDrop Rome as scrap metal. No charge for residents. - Does OHSWA accept rechargeable batteries from snow tools?
Yes — rechargeable batteries are accepted year-round at both EcoDrop locations, free of charge. Remove the battery from the tool before drop-off when possible. - Can I drop off AA or AAA batteries at EcoDrop?
No. Standard single-use alkaline batteries go in your regular household garbage. Only rechargeable batteries are accepted at EcoDrop. - Where is OHSWA's household hazardous waste drop-off?
EcoDrop Utica, 824 Sewage Plant Road, Utica, NY. Open April 1 through September 30, Monday–Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday 7 AM to 2 PM. No charge for residents.
For the full list of what's accepted at EcoDrop Utica and EcoDrop Rome — including hours, fees, and a complete accepted materials list, visit ohswa.org/ecodrop.