Nashua, NH Property Maintenance: Trash Bin Storage (2026)

Nashua's solid-waste regime is codified in Nashua Revised Ordinances Chapter 270 (Solid Waste) and is implemented by the Solid Waste Department under the rules and regulations of the Board of Public Works. Article VI (Residential Collection) and the Automatic Collection article (§§ 270-31 et seq.) establish the operative rules: (1) The City-issued cart is the only acceptable container for trash — no other containers will be picked up under automated collection. (2) Set-out timing — no waste, refuse, rubbish, garbage, or recycling shall be placed on any sidewalk, or at curbside in the absence of a sidewalk, for public collection earlier than 7:00 a.m. on the day prior to the scheduled day of collection, and no later than 6:45 a.m. on the day of collection. (3) Storage between collections — garbage, trash, refuse, waste, or containers therefor cannot be stored between collections in front yards or forward of the building lines when there is other available outdoor space on the property. (4) Cart placement — all trash carts, recycling carts, recycle bins, and soft yard waste containers must be placed within the confines of the lot-line frontage of the property address of all properties in residential zones, unless otherwise specified by the Solid Waste Department. The Solid Waste Department publishes operational guidelines for the automated arm: carts should be separated from mailboxes, fences, utility poles, other carts and bins; soft yard-waste bags or barrels must be at least 3–5 feet from the trash cart or placed on the other side of the driveway; and carts should be at least 10 feet away from a parked car. (5) Prohibited materials — no toxic, extremely hazardous, dangerous/hazardous, or liquid waste may be deposited curbside or in any automated collection container, and household hazardous waste, infectious waste, and sharps may not be placed in the automated container. Bulky items must be scheduled in advance with the Solid Waste Department.