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Solid Waste Safety Summit Highlights Growing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks Across New Hampshire On February 12, municipal leaders, transfer station operators, firefighters, and state officials gathered at the Laconia Fire Department for NH Recycles’ first Solid Waste Safety Summit of 2026. The focus? One of the fastest-growing safety risks in the waste stream: lithium-ion batteries. Hosted in partnership with the Lakes Region Planning Commission, the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), and the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office, the summit brought together those on the front lines of solid waste management to address an...

This year, NH Recycles proudly celebrates Lindsay Dow’s 10-year anniversary with the organization—a milestone that reflects not just longevity, but deep commitment, care, and impact. As NH Recycles’ Administrative Specialist, Lindsay is often the quiet force behind the scenes making sure things run smoothly. From coordinating regularly scheduled loads to managing logistics across multiple vendors and municipalities, Lindsay saves time, solves problems, and ensures members get what they need—when they need it. Her work requires organization, communication, and follow-through, and she handles it all with patience, clarity, and calm...

What Is an Environmental Impact Report—and How Can It Help Your Municipality? Municipal recycling programs do far more than keep materials out of the trash—they conserve natural resources, save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect soil and water. But these benefits can be hard to quantify and even harder to communicate clearly to residents and decision-makers. That’s where an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) comes in. An Environmental Impact Report translates everyday recycling and waste diversion activities into clear, measurable environmental outcomes. It answers the question many communities ask: What difference...

New Hampshire has a statewide electronic recycling ban designed to keep hazardous materials out of landfills and protect the environment. Many common electronic devices contain toxic metals—such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and silver—that can contaminate soil and water if disposed of improperly, posing risks to people and wildlife. This article breaks down what’s banned, what’s exempt, and what’s recommended for recycling, along with best practices for handling electronics at transfer stations and recycling centers. Why Electronics Are Banned from Disposal Electronic devices are complex products made with materials that are either...

Epsom, NH — NH Recycles has launched its Solid Waste Safety program, a new statewide initiative designed to improve transfer station safety, reduce solid waste, and protect water quality in rural New Hampshire communities. The program is supported by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Solid Waste Management Grant. NH Recycles is a multistate nonprofit organization that has supported community-based recycling programs for more than forty years and works with approximately 90% of New Hampshire municipalities. In recent years, rural transfer stations have faced growing...

NH Recycles is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board of Trustees, approved by members at the 2025 Annual Meeting held in November. These individuals bring a wide range of professional experience, community leadership, and long-standing commitment to recycling, solid waste management, and public service across New England. Their collective expertise will strengthen NH Recycles’ cooperative mission and support Member communities in the years ahead. Erica Douglas Voting Member Representative Environmental Coordinator, Town of Bedford, NH Erica Douglas serves as the Environmental Coordinator for the Town of Bedford, where she...

Epsom, NH: NH Recycles is pleased to announce the 2025 Recycling Award winners, honoring outstanding contributions to recycling and waste reduction across New Hampshire: Ken Filpula (Recycler of the Year), Representative Karen Ebel (Recycling Advocate Award), Apparel Impact (Business of the Year), Neal Alex Marrion (Continuing Education Award), Matt Bumford (Rookie of the Year), and Bonnie Bethune (Honorary Lifetime Member). Each was selected through a competitive committee process and celebrated at the NH Recycles Annual Meeting on November 17th. NH Recycles proudly recognizes six outstanding individuals and organizations whose...

More than sixty members, municipal leaders, operators, and partners gathered at the Puritan Conference Center on November 17th for the 2025 NH Recycles Annual Meeting—and the room was buzzing long before the program began. Executive Director Reagan Bissonnette welcomed attendees as they grabbed lunch, caught up with colleagues, and settled in for an afternoon full of reflections, insights, and celebration. Reagan shared: “This meeting gives us a chance to pause in what I know has been a very busy year for so many of us, and take time to reflect on our work together and celebrate our successes.” A New Name, Same Commitment Reagan...

Last month, the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) published its 2023–2024 Biennial Solid Waste Report, highlighting the state’s progress toward reducing disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) and construction and demolition debris (C&D) by 25% by 2030 and by 45% by 2050, compared to 2018 levels. The report also details NHDES’s ongoing solid waste management activities and recent legislative updates related to waste reduction and recycling. Disposal and Waste Trends The report notes that the percentage of in-state material disposed in NH landfills and the state’s single waste-to-energy plant has steadily increased in...

NH Recycles has been honored with the Environmental Leadership Award for Outstanding Program from the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC). The award recognizes NH Recycles’ proactive and timely efforts to expand composting education and food waste diversion across New Hampshire. NH Recycles work was particularly impactful ahead of New Hampshire's first food waste disposal ban, which went into effect February 1, 2025. Ahead of the ban, NH Recycles developed several key programs including the state’s only Composting & Food Waste Diversion Map, an accessible online tool that makes it easier for residents and transfer stations to find...