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About Us: NH Recycles (formerly the Northeast Resource Recovery Association) is the oldest and largest cooperative-model recycling nonprofit in the United States. Founded in 1981, the organization partners with more than 450 municipalities, businesses, and individuals across New England to strengthen recycling through economically and environmentally sound solutions. NH Recycles supports small, rural communities and is one of only a handful of nonprofits nationwide that enables communities to manage their own recycling programs by connecting them directly with end markets for recyclables. The organization shares its expertise...

On March 19, 2026, NH Recycles hosted a Solid Waste Safety Summit in New London, bringing together over 70 transfer station operators, municipal staff, fire professionals, and state partners to tackle one of the fastest-growing safety challenges in the waste stream: lithium-ion batteries. With a full room of “boots-on-the-ground” operators, the conversation focused on real-world risks, practical solutions, and the shared responsibility of keeping facilities—and communities—safe. Why This Topic Matters Now Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere—phones, tools, vapes, lawn equipment, and more—and they’re increasingly ending up in the...

Celebrating Six Years of Service to NH Recycles NH Recycles extends our sincere thanks to Scott Hazelton for his dedicated service on the Board of Trustees from February 2020 through March 2026. Scott brought to the Board a valuable combination of technical expertise, municipal leadership, and hands-on operational experience. Throughout his six-year tenure, he consistently offered thoughtful insight and a practical perspective grounded in the day-to-day realities facing New Hampshire’s transfer stations and public works departments. Scott’s career spans decades of work in civil and environmental engineering and municipal leadership...

Workshops and discussions will address safety, recycling markets, and emerging waste policy CONCORD, N.H. — More than 300 municipal recycling and solid waste professionals from New Hampshire and across New England are expected to gather in Concord on May 18, 2026, for the NH Recycles Recycling Conference & Expo, a one-day event focused on the practical challenges facing municipal recycling and waste management programs. Hosted by NH Recycles at the Grappone Conference Center, the conference brings together transfer station operators, municipal leaders, recycling coordinators, public works staff, state agency representatives, and...

Understanding the PET Recycling Market Recycling PET plastic bottles (e.g. #1 clear plastic water bottles) remains an important part of many community recycling programs. However, the PET market is facing real challenges, and prices have been falling for more than a year. These issues affect towns across the region, and understanding what’s happening can help residents and local officials make informed decisions. Once collected, PET bottles are cleaned and processed into flakes or pellets. These materials are then turned into new products, including clothing, carpeting, insulation for coats and sleeping bags, and even new bottles...

The 2026 New Hampshire legislative session is underway, and several bills related to solid waste management and recycling are moving through the State House. NH Recycles tracks legislation that may affect municipal recycling programs, transfer stations, and solid waste operations across the state. NH Recycles does not take positions for or against legislation, but we may provide testimony to help lawmakers understand how proposed policies could impact our member communities and the day-to-day operations of local recycling and waste management programs. Below is a brief overview of key bills currently moving through the legislative...

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...