Manchester has no local ban on expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers. NH does not regulate polystyrene at the state level, and the city's preemption posture under NH RSA 149-N for bags signals broad legislative resistance to local single-use mandates.
Unlike Maine, which became the first state to ban polystyrene foam containers (38 MRSA 1611), and Vermont (10 V.S.A. 6691), NH has not enacted statewide polystyrene restrictions. Manchester likewise has no local ordinance banning foam clamshells, cups, or coolers. Restaurants, caterers, and grocers can use polystyrene packaging freely. Voluntary alternatives like molded fiber and PLA are permitted but not required. NH solid waste rules under NH RSA 149-M still govern disposal, and litter laws apply to discarded foam. Future NH legislative bills proposing polystyrene restrictions have so far failed to pass.
There are no Manchester penalties for using polystyrene foam containers. Standard NH RSA 149-M solid waste violations and city litter rules under Chapter 310 still apply to improper disposal of foam.
Manchester, NH
Manchester cannot adopt a plastic bag ban or fee. NH SB 233 (signed 2024) and NH RSA 149-N preempt all local single-use bag regulations. Retailers in Manches...
Manchester, NH
Manchester provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection on designated days. Missed pickups can be reported to New Hampshire waste haulers or munic...
See how Manchester's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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