Manchester, NH Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Cart requirement
- Municipal recycling carts mandatory
- Volume cap
- 190 gallons per collection event
- Cart limit
- Up to 2 recycling carts
- Downtown zone
- Must sort recyclables from trash
- Penalty basis
- Fine under RSA 47:17
Summary
Manchester requires municipal recycling carts for eligible dwellings and small commercial properties, caps recyclables at 190 gallons per collection event in up to two carts, and requires Downtown Collection Zone properties to sort recyclables from trash.
For eligible dwellings and commercial use properties pursuant to § 91.631, the maximum volume of trash and recyclables placed for municipal curbside collection shall be limited to 190 gallons of trash and 190 gallons of recyclables per dwelling or operating business per collection event, contained within no more than two municipal trash carts and two municipal recycling carts per dwelling or operating business.
(B) There are no statutory limits on the volume of yard waste that may be placed for municipal collection at any property.
(C) The foregoing provisions of this section notwithstanding, the Public Works Director shall have the authority to:
(1) Grant a waiver to the volume limitations delineated in this section when, in his or her sole determination, there is:
(a) A reasonable and demonstrated need for additional capacity; and
(b) Sufficient property frontage for placement of additional carts such that street parking, traffic flow, and pedestrian safety are not adversely affected; and
(2) Impose additional limitations on the volume of any material that may be placed for municipal collection at a property when such limitations are necessary to ensure sufficient street parking, traffic flow, or pedestrian safety. (Ord. passed 4-16-02; Am. Ord. passed 5-7-19; Am. Ord. passed 9- 5-23) Penalty, see § 91.76
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 91.66(A) makes municipal carts mandatory containers for every dwelling and commercial building eligible for curbside collection, and rental property owners must supply tenants adequate containers under § 91.66(D). Under § 91.67(A), eligible properties may set out no more than 190 gallons of recyclables per collection event, limited to two municipal recycling carts per dwelling or business; the Public Works Director may grant volume waivers where frontage and street safety allow. Properties inside the Downtown Collection Zone must separate recyclables from trash under § 91.64(F); large multifamily buildings with five or more units and most commercial uses are ineligible for municipal collection and must arrange private hauling under § 91.631(B).
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of this chapter without a specific penalty listed is fined up to the maximum allowed under RSA 47:17, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense (§ 91.76).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a recycling cart in Manchester?
How much recycling can I set out at once?
Is sorting recyclables from trash required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle recycling requirements.