A box of electronics. A half-used can of paint from years ago. An old piece of furniture sitting in the garage. Throwing it all in the garbage isn't always the answer.
For Oneida and Herkimer County residents, there are more options than most people realize. Here's your full spring cleaning disposal guide.
Clothing and Textiles: Don't Trash Them
The pile of clothes you've been meaning to deal with since last fall doesn't belong in the garbage. OHSWA has a clothing drop-off box at both EcoDrop Utica and EcoDrop Rome for exactly this purpose. Old clothes, all footwear, accessories like hats and belts, linens, blankets, sheets, towels, drapes, and even stuffed animals are accepted. Everything should be clean, dry, and bagged in plastic before you arrive at the drop-off location.
If EcoDrop isn't convenient, there are clothing donation locations at churches, rescue missions, and community organizations in Utica, Rome, Herkimer, Clinton, New Hartford, and other towns. The full list is here. Textile recyclers like Apparel Impact and One World Center also have drop-off locations throughout our communities.
Electronics: Free Drop-Off Year-Round
The electronics recycling drop-off in Utica and Rome is available year-round and at no charge. Electronics contain materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that shouldn't end up in a landfill. Acceptable electronics at EcoDrop include:
- Old TVs
- Computers
- Printers
- Phones
- Stereos
- Small kitchen appliances
See the full list of accepted items. Our electronics are sent to a registered electronics dismantler for recycling.
Furniture and Mattress Disposal
Bulk items such as sofas, chairs, tables, and mattresses may be delivered to our transfer stations in Utica or Rome for a $5.00 per-item fee.
Before anything usable heads there, consider reuse over disposal. For furniture donation in Utica and the surrounding area, our reuse partners include:
- Faith Furniture
- Utica Rescue Mission
- Rome Rescue Mission
- CNY Veteran's Outreach Center
- Goodwill-HARC in Herkimer
Some organizations will arrange pickup. Check out the full reuse options list for Oneida and Herkimer County.
Paint, Chemicals, and Household Hazardous Waste Cleanout
If your spring cleanout turns up old paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, cleaning solvents, or other household hazardous waste, OHSWA household hazardous waste drop-off is now available until September 30th. Household hazardous waste items are accepted at EcoDrop Utica from April 1 to September 30th at no charge. Residents may bring up to 15 gallons and/or 20 pounds of household hazardous waste each day.
A few specifics worth knowing:
- Liquid paint is the only paint accepted.
- Dried paint is garbage, not a hazardous waste drop-off item.
- Empty paint cans are also garbage.
One thing that does not go to EcoDrop at any time are prescription medications and controlled substances. Those have their own dedicated drop-off program. Click here for locations.
Bulk Items and Appliances at EcoDrop
Appliances like stoves, washing machines, and dryers are accepted at no charge at EcoDrop. Appliances containing refrigerants, like air conditioners and refrigerators, carry a fee. Scrap metal — pots and pans, bicycles, pipes, grills — is also accepted free of charge at both EcoDrop locations.
Quick Spring Cleaning Answers for Oneida and Herkimer County Residents
Where can I donate clothes in Utica or Rome, NY?
OHSWA has clothing drop-off boxes at EcoDrop Utica and EcoDrop Rome, plus a network of churches, rescue missions, and community organizations across both counties. Full list at ohswa.org/clothing-drop-off.
Can I recycle worn-out clothes that can't be donated?
Yes. Through OHSWA's participation in the ReClothe NY campaign, damaged or worn textiles can be recycled rather than landfilled via St. Pauly Textile drop boxes.
Where do I dispose of old paint in Oneida County?
Liquid paint goes to EcoDrop Utica's household hazardous waste program, April 1st to September 30th only. Dried paint and empty paint cans go in the regular garbage. There are other paint disposal options within Herkimer County, too. For example, check out PaintCare®’s accepted items list.
Is electronics recycling free at OHSWA?
Yes. Electronics drop-off is free for residents at both EcoDrop Utica and EcoDrop Rome, year-round.
Can I drop off a mattress at EcoDrop?
Yes. Mattresses and bulk items are accepted at EcoDrop Utica and EcoDrop Rome for a small per-item fee.
Spring cleaning goes better when you know where everything lands. For hours, fees, and the complete list of what's accepted at both EcoDrop facilities, visit ohswa.org/ecodrop. Check out our directory of donation and reuse options, and explore other options and resources across Oneida and Herkimer Counties that may be more convenient for you.