The September meeting of the Solid Waste Working Group (SWWG) focused on plastics recycling policy, updates from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), and solid waste-related legislation expected in the upcoming session.
Plastics EPR Spotlight
The meeting featured guest speaker Megan Daum, Vice President of Sustainability for the American Beverage Association (ABA). Representing the U.S. non-alcoholic beverage industry, Daum spoke about the Association’s support for thoughtful extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws designed to increase beverage container recycling rates.
Under the ABA’s preferred model, beverage companies would be required to invest directly in recycling infrastructure, improving access for residents while building more resilient recycling systems. Daum pointed to Colorado’s EPR law as a successful example the Association supports.
NHDES Updates
NHDES staff shared several program updates, ranging from food waste and battery management to upcoming rule-making:
- Food Waste Generator Study: A new study identifying New Hampshire’s largest food waste generators is expected to be completed by the end of April 2026. Consulting firm RRS, with support from CET, is leading the effort and will be preparing the report.
- Surcharge & Grants Rule-making: NHDES has begun developing rules for the Solid Waste Disposal Surcharge and the food waste grant program funded by the state’s Solid Waste Management Fund.
- Battery Management: To promote compliance with the lithium-ion battery disposal ban, NHDES has distributed 4,000 of the 10,000 educational brochures printed for outreach. If your municipality would like brochures for your residents, reach out to NHDES for information.
- Biennial Solid Waste Report: Staff announced the report’s release, which came just days later. The 2023–2024 report details statewide disposal trends, capacity needs, and Solid Waste Management Fund activities, along with progress updates on the state’s solid waste management plan.
2023-2024 Biennial Solid Waste Report
Legislative Preview
SWWG Chair Rep. Karen Ebel shared that a number of Legislative Service Requests (LSRs) related to solid waste have been filed for the upcoming session. NH Recycles will publish a full list of solid-waste-related bills in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: October Meeting on Vapes
The next SWWG meeting will take place on Friday, October 31, from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the NH Recycles office in Epsom.
The focus will be vape and e-cigarette disposal, with presentations from:
- Rhonda Whittier, Office Manager, Highway/Transfer Station & Recycling Center, Town of Pelham
- Meghan Theriault, Director of Public Works, Town of Gilford
All NH Recycles members are welcome to attend.
