Can I throw old tires or a car battery in the trash?

No. RSA 149-M:57 bans disposal of motor vehicle tires, lead-acid batteries, electronics, and mercury-added products in solid waste statewide. Take them to authorized recycling or hazardous waste facilities.

Is yard waste banned from the trash in New Hampshire?

Yes. Yard waste including grass, leaves, and brush is banned from landfill disposal statewide under RSA 149-M:57. Most towns offer composting drop-off or curbside yard waste collection.

New Hampshire Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Key Facts

Banned Items: Tires, batteries, electronics
Yard Waste: Landfill disposal banned
Enforcement: DES statewide
Statute: RSA 149-M:57
Max Penalty: $5,000 per day

Source: New Hampshire General Court

Full Breakdown

Under RSA 149-M:57 and Env-Sw 800 rules, New Hampshire prohibits disposal of specified items in solid waste landfills and incinerators statewide. Banned items include lead-acid batteries, motor vehicle tires (whole), white goods (large appliances), mercury-added products, cathode ray tubes, fluorescent lamps with mercury, and certain electronic devices. Yard waste is banned from landfill disposal. Generators, haulers, and facilities all share responsibility for diverting these items to recycling or proper management. The Department of Environmental Services enforces the bans uniformly. Towns may add stricter requirements but cannot allow banned items into the regular waste stream.

Violations & Penalties

Disposal of banned items may result in administrative fines up to $5,000 per day per violation under RSA 149-M:12 and potential criminal charges for knowing violations.

New Hampshire Solid Waste Disposal Bans on Bulk Items

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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