The New Hampshire Legislature’s 2026 session has come to a close, with lawmakers considering a wide range of proposals related to solid waste management, recycling, landfills, product stewardship, and waste reduction.
Throughout the session, NH Recycles tracked legislation that could affect New Hampshire municipalities, transfer stations, solid waste districts, and recycling programs. Two bills became law, two were awaiting potential action by the governor as of July 7, and several other proposals were vetoed, referred for interim study, or determined to be inexpedient to legislate.
NH Recycles does not take a position for or against legislation. However, we may provide testimony or other information to help elected officials understand how proposed legislation could affect our member communities and New Hampshire’s solid waste and recycling systems.
Bills That Became Law
Household Pharmaceutical Waste
HB 1192 exempts certain household pharmaceutical wastes from the definition of hazardous waste.
The bill was signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte.
Prime sponsors: Rep. Linda Haskins and Rep. Nicholas Germana
Solid Waste Management District Funding
SB 593, originally introduced as legislation relative to landfills, was amended to enable solid waste management districts to use money from solid waste management funds.
The bill was signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte.
Prime sponsors: Sen. Kevin Avard, Sen. David Watters, Sen. Howard Pearl, and Rep. Mark McConkey
Bills Awaiting Governor’s Action
As of July 7, 2026, the following bills had passed both the House and Senate and were awaiting potential action by the governor.
Solid Waste Site Evaluation Committee
HB 707-FN and HB 1189-FN would establish a solid waste site evaluation committee.
The legislation was enrolled on June 4, 2026.
Mining and Prospecting Permitting
HB 1141 was originally introduced to prohibit the extraction of groundwater for bottling in plastic bottles. Its amended title relates to permitting and fee authority for mining and prospecting.
The legislation was enrolled on June 4, 2026.
Paint Stewardship Legislation Vetoed
Paint Product Stewardship Program
HB 451-FN and HB 1198-FN proposed establishing a paint product stewardship program in New Hampshire.
Under a product stewardship system, paint producers would generally be responsible for supporting the collection and management of leftover architectural paint. Similar programs operate in several other states.
Although House and Senate committees issued recommendations supporting amended versions of the legislation, the proposal was vetoed by Governor Ayotte.
Solid Waste and Recycling Bills That Did Not Pass
Several proposals were determined to be inexpedient to legislate, meaning they did not advance during the 2026 session.
Solid Waste Management Fund Appropriation
HB 619-FN-A would have made an appropriation to the state’s Solid Waste Management Fund.
The House Finance Committee determined the bill was inexpedient to legislate.
Vape and E-Cigarette Disposal Study
HB 1096 would have established a committee to study options for managing the disposal of vapes and electronic cigarettes.
The House Environment and Agriculture Committee determined the bill was inexpedient to legislate.
Although the bill did not pass, the disposal of vapes and other devices containing lithium-ion batteries remains an important operational and fire-safety concern for transfer stations, recycling facilities, and waste haulers.
Food Waste Diversion Commission
HB 1282 would have established a commission to advise the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services on food waste diversion.
The House Environment and Agriculture Committee determined the bill was inexpedient to legislate.
Beverage Container Redemption Program
HB 1679-FN would have established a beverage container redemption program, sometimes referred to as a bottle bill.
The House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee determined the bill was inexpedient to legislate.
Bills Referred for Interim Study
Several bills were referred for interim study. Because 2026 was the final year of the legislative biennium and an election will take place before the Legislature reconvenes, these bills did not carry forward and are considered failed.
Landfill Application Suspension and Waste Incineration Study
SB 226-FN would have suspended applications for new landfills and established a committee to study the feasibility of incinerating solid waste.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee referred the bill for interim study, and the bill failed.
Disposal of Syringes and Medical Devices
SB 556-FN would have included syringes and similar medical devices within the definition of special waste and made certain improper disposal of that waste a felony.
The Senate Judiciary Committee referred the bill for interim study, and the bill failed.
Out-of-State Waste
HB 1138 would have limited the placement of out-of-state waste in New Hampshire landfills.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee referred the bill for interim study, and the bill failed.
Landfill Siting Rules
HB 1478-FN would have required the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to revise its rules for proposed new landfills.
The bill was referred for interim study and failed.
Battery Recycling Stewardship
HB 1602-FN would have created a safe battery recycling stewardship program.
The House Finance Committee referred the bill for interim study, and the bill failed.
Additional Solid Waste Disposal Capacity
HB 1622-FN would have required the state to develop additional solid waste disposal capacity.
The House Finance Committee referred the bill for interim study, and the bill failed.
Film Plastic Recycling Proposal Withdrawn
A legislative service request identified as 2026-2288, concerning the recycling of film plastics, was withdrawn before it was formally introduced as a House bill.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 session reflected continued legislative attention to several major solid waste issues, including landfill capacity and siting, out-of-state waste, product stewardship, lithium-ion battery safety, food waste diversion, and funding for state and regional solid waste programs.
Although many of the proposals considered during the 2026 session did not become law, the issues behind them are likely to remain part of New Hampshire’s solid waste policy discussions. Similar proposals could be introduced as new legislation during a future legislative biennium.
NH Recycles will continue monitoring solid waste and recycling legislation and sharing information about proposals that could affect our member communities.
This legislative recap was last revised on July 7, 2026. Bill titles and statuses reflect the information available on that date.