Latest News

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...

Despite cool, rainy weather, 46 enthusiastic participants joined NH Recycles’ team at The Rocks in Bethlehem, NH for the Recycling Summit, part of the Recycle Right North Country campaign. The event brought together transfer station operators, recycling committee members, residents, and professionals from related fields—all eager to learn more about recycling in New Hampshire. Led by Education and Grants Manager Andrea Folsom, Municipal Recycling Advisor Steve Bean, Member Services Director Brian Patnoe, and Executive Director Reagan Bissonnette, the day offered a mix of hands-on learning, practical insight, and big-picture...

All NH Recycles Members are cordially invited to join the trustees and staff of NH Recycles for the Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Monday, November 17th from Noon - 2pm at the Puritan Backroom Restaurant. NH Recycles is your organization, so please plan to attend or send a representative in your place. EVENT DETAILS: WHEN: Monday, November 17th from Noon - 2pm WHERE: Puritan Backroom Event Center 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, NH VOTING DETAILS: Each Municipal Member is entitled to one vote, but you may register as many representatives to attend as you wish. For each Municipal Member, the voting representative can be one of the...

Membership Dues Update for the 2026 Dues Year NH Recycles extends its sincere appreciation to all municipal members for their continued support and partnership. Your membership plays a vital role in strengthening recycling programs, connecting communities to markets, and advancing sound recycling solutions throughout New Hampshire and New England. As part of NH Recycles’ ongoing commitment to maintaining financial stability and delivering high-quality member services, the Board of Trustees has approved an update to membership dues for the 2026 dues year. For most municipal members, the new dues year begins April 1, 2026; for others...

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...

On Wednesday, September 24, NH Recycles brought 50 New Hampshire solid waste and recycling operators on a tour of the Casella-run Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Rutland, Vermont. The trip gave participants a rare chance to see what happens to recyclables once they leave their communities and to deepen their understanding of how large-scale recycling operations function. To ensure accessibility, NH Recycles organized transportation from both southern and northern parts of the state. A large bus departed from the NH Recycles office, while a smaller bus left from The Rocks in Bethlehem so North Country operators could avoid an...

The Northumberland Recycle Right Rewards Event on September 2, 2025, was a great success, bringing out residents eager to talk trash—and treasure! The NH Recycles Member Services team of Brian Patnoe, Member Services Director, and Steve Bean, Municipal Recycling Advisor, spent about three and a half hours engaging with the community, answering pressing questions about recycling, and, most excitingly, rewarding people for recycling right by handing out free totes and local area gift cards. Key Takeaways from the Day The event provided valuable insight into what’s on the minds of Northumberland residents when it comes to recycling...

This year, NH Recycles is thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Paula Dow's 35th work anniversary. As the Finance and HR Director, Paula has been an unwavering force for the organization, a testament to her dedication and passion. Over her 35-year tenure, she's not just held a job—she's been the backbone of a mission she deeply believes in. Her commitment is truly impressive, as she has been with NH Recycles for 35 of its 44 years, representing an astonishing 80% of the organization's history. According to NH Recycles' Executive Director, Reagan Bissonnette, Paula's work perfectly embodies the organization's core values. NH...