Nashua, NH Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 270-41(C), Solid Waste ordinance
- What's banned
- Sharps/infectious waste curbside or in bins
- Enforcement
- Police, Environmental Health, or Code Enforcement
- Penalty
- Collection service termination for willful violation
- Alternative disposal
- Not specified in the ordinance
Summary
Nashua's solid waste ordinance bans placing needles, syringes, lancets, or other infectious sharps curbside or in automated collection containers: violators face code enforcement, and the code does not name an approved alternative disposal channel.
No infectious waste or sharps shall be placed curbside or in any automated container for collection.
D. No rocks, concrete, asphalt, dirt, or other similar material shall be placed in automated containers.
E. Yard waste and recyclables shall be separated from refuse and placed in separate containers for separate collection, as outlined in the Board of Public Works policy.
F. No hot ashes or any other material capable of causing ignition or spontaneous combustion shall be placed in any automated collection container.
G. No motor oil or other automotive fluids shall be deposited in any automated container.
H. The City reserves the right to prohibit, or to place disposal restrictions upon any waste that may adversely affect the disposal site. This shall also extend to any item that may pose a risk to the health or safety of City employees. Disposal restrictions that may be implemented shall include, but are not limited to, item size restrictions, quantity restrictions, recycling regulations, special preparation requirements, and rubbish source documentation requirements.
I. Failure of a customer to comply with disposal restrictions will be deemed a violation and may, at the discretion of the Superintendent or Director, result in revocation of collection services.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Nashua's Solid Waste ordinance defines "sharp household infectious waste" to include needles, syringes and lancets (§ 270-1) and separately prohibits placing that waste, or any infectious waste, curbside or in an automated collection container for pickup (§ 270-41(C)). The rule sits alongside bans on hazardous, toxic and household hazardous waste in the same section. Enforcement runs through the Police Department, Environmental Health Department or Code Enforcement Department after notice from the Division of Public Works (§ 270-42), and the Superintendent or Director can terminate a customer's collection service for willful violations (§ 270-43). The ordinance does not designate a sharps take-back site or mail-back program.
Violations & Fines
Willful violation lets the Superintendent or Director terminate collection service (§ 270-43); the Police, Environmental Health, or Code Enforcement Department may also enforce after Public Works gives notice (§ 270-42).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put used needles in my Nashua trash or recycling bin?
What happens if I violate Nashua's sharps disposal ban?
Where does the code say sharps should go instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
Compare Nashua to another location·View the New Hampshire public health rules overview
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Syringe Disposal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle syringe disposal.