Free, NH-specific safety training for solid waste operators, firefighters, and municipal staff. Registration required.
Lithium-ion batteries are one of the fastest-growing safety risks at transfer stations and recycling facilities across New Hampshire. Fires caused by improperly disposed batteries are increasing — putting staff, facilities, equipment, and communities at risk.
NH Recycles, in partnership with the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission and the Lakes Region Regional Planning Commission, is hosting three in-person Solid Waste Safety Summits and one abbreviated webinar to help operators better understand current safety priorities, reduce fire risk, and know exactly what to do if a fire occurs.
Who Should Attend
These Safety Summits are designed for anyone involved in — or impacted by — solid waste safety, including:
- Solid waste and recycling facility operators and staff
- Local firefighters and fire department personnel
- Municipal and town employees (public works, town administrators, boards, and staff)
- Interested residents who want to better understand lithium-ion battery safety and fire prevention
Whether you work at a transfer station, respond to emergencies, help manage municipal operations, or want to learn how to safely handle batteries at home, this session provides practical, locally relevant information.
About the Summits
The Safety Summits focus specifically on lithium-ion battery safety at solid waste facilities, including:
Fire Risk & Prevention
- Why lithium-ion batteries are causing fires in the waste stream
- Fire prevention strategies at transfer stations
- Scrap metal best practices and two-stage separation
Safe Handling & Response
- Safe handling of batteries, including hidden or embedded batteries
- What to do—and who to call—during a fire
- Required incident reporting after a fire
Policy, Education & Real-World Lessons
- New Hampshire’s lithium-ion battery disposal ban
- Practical resident education strategies that reduce risk
- Lessons learned from real New Hampshire case studies
Presenters include NH Recycles staff, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and NH Department of Environmental Services solid waste experts.
Choose the date & format that works best for you:
In-person Summits (2.5 hours)
Location information will be emailed to registrants closer to the date of the event.
- Laconia — Thursday, February 12
Snow date: February 19 - New London — Thursday, March 19
Snow date: March 26 - Keene — July 2026 (exact date TBD)
Live Webinar (1.5 hours) — Monday, April 6
This option is great for interested residents who want to better understand lithium-ion battery safety and fire prevention.