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Updated October 11, 2026
Basements and garages on Long Island fill up over the years. Before a move is the best time to clear them, but some things cannot go in the trash or on a moving truck. Here is what New York State and local towns say.
TVs, computers and other electronics
Under New York’s electronic waste law, as of January 1, 2015 consumers can no longer dispose of certain electronics in landfills or waste-to-energy plants. The covered items include computers, computer peripherals, small electronic equipment, small-scale servers and televisions over 4 inches measured diagonally, with their cables and cords. The state says most consumers should not be charged to recycle them: manufacturers must run recycling programs, and the DEC lists them. Remove your personal data before you give away or recycle a computer or phone.
Check your town
Long Island towns explain local options. The Town of Huntington, for example, reminds residents that state law has prohibited disposing of certain electronics as trash since 2015, and the Town of Southampton lists the ways manufacturers must take electronics back, from drop-off sites to mail-back programs.
Paint, pesticides and other chemicals
The DEC calls products like old paint, solvents, pesticides, antifreeze and motor oil household hazardous waste. Keep them in the original container with the label, never mix them, and bring leftovers to a household hazardous waste collection site or event; your town or the DEC can tell you where and when. The DEC notes that latex paint made before August 1990 may contain mercury and some older paint may contain lead. Clean, empty pesticide containers can go in the household trash.
Why this matters on moving day
Movers cannot carry flammable or hazardous materials, such as gasoline, propane, paint thinner or pool chemicals. Drain the gas from the lawn mower and keep propane tanks off the truck. Planning this a few weeks ahead keeps moving day on schedule.
Everything else
Furniture and household items in good shape can often be donated or sold. Start with the garage and the basement: they usually take the longest to sort.
Common questions
Can I put an old TV in the trash on Long Island?
No. New York has banned consumers from disposing of covered electronics such as TVs in landfills and waste-to-energy plants since January 1, 2015.
Do I have to pay to recycle a computer in New York?
The DEC says most consumers should not be charged; manufacturers must run recycling programs.
What do I do with old paint before a move?
Use it up or donate it if you can; bring leftovers, especially old paint that may contain lead or mercury, to a household hazardous waste collection.
Will movers take paint, propane or gasoline?
No. Flammable and hazardous materials cannot go on the moving truck.
Get your free estimate
Call (516) 246-5901 or send the quote form on our home page with both addresses, the floors, elevator or stairs, your date and your main items. Moving Service By Two Guys is part of A & A Alliance Moving Inc, a family business since 1999, licensed and insured: NYSDOT 34875, NJPM 000930, U.S. DOT No. 967970. More on our company facts page.
Rules and services change. We checked the official links on this page on October 11, 2026; confirm on the linked page before you act.
Official sources
- NYSDEC: Recycling consumer electronic waste
- Town of Huntington: Electronics (e-waste) recycling
- Town of Southampton: Recycling your electronic waste
- NYSDEC: Managing and disposing of household hazardous waste (PDF)
- NYSDEC: Household hazardous waste collection events
- NYSDEC: Household hazardous waste, pesticide disposal (PDF)
More Long Island moving guides
- Don’t put these items on the moving truck
- 11 items you can’t put in a storage unit
- How to declutter before moving
- 11 items to discard or rehome when moving
- Moving to a Coastal Long Island Home: Flood Zones, Flood Insurance and Hurricane Season
- Moving to the East End: The Hamptons, the North Fork and Shelter Island
