Solid Waste
Regulating facilities that manage solid waste and promoting best practices that protect human health and the environment
New Hampshire’s Solid Waste Management Act (RSA 149-M) generally defines "solid waste" as any abandoned or discarded material, including:
- Household trash.
- Recyclables (aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, plastic, etc.)
- Food waste.
- Construction and demolition debris.
- Electronic waste.
- Infectious waste (sharps and certain medical waste).
- Animal carcasses.
- End-of-life motor vehicles.
- Non-hazardous contaminated soils.
- Asbestos waste.
- Commercial and industrial waste.
Solid waste excludes:
- Yard waste (leaves, grass, garden debris, small branches/brush).
- Hazardous waste.
- Sludge and septage.
- Nuclear waste.
- Certain types of point source discharges.
- Post-use polymers and recovered feedstocks converted at an advanced recycling facility.
NHDES’ Solid Waste Management Bureau (SWMB) regulates the facilities and practices associated with the collection, processing, treatment, recycling, re-use and disposal of solid waste in New Hampshire through a combination of facility permitting, training, data management and compliance programs. The SWMB also provides solid waste planning and technical assistance for regulated facilities, municipalities, businesses and the public.
Solid Waste Rules Undergoing Readoption
Most of the New Hampshire Solid Waste Management administrative rules are in the process of undergoing review, revision and readoption. Although not required, the NHDES Solid Waste Management Bureau (SWMB) engaged with interested parties in 2023 and early 2024 to share ideas and concerns regarding rules in advance of SWMB work to draft proposed rule amendments. Rules that were last adopted in 2014 are due to be readopted by July 1, 2024. The formal rulemaking process has started for each chapter, and SWMB has conducted public hearings for each chapter. During these hearings, SWMB presented specific rule language changes and each rule chapter has either completed or is currently in a public comment period during which the public can provide written comment.
If you have specific questions about SWMB rules or upcoming opportunities for informal/formal input, please email us at swmbrules@des.nh.gov.
To view all current Solid Waste Management Bureau rules, including rulemaking notices that include public hearing and public comment dates, please visit the NHDES Administrative Rules webpage.
To view past informal public input sessions, please visit the NHDES YouTube channel.
Document Submittal
The SWMB requires all submittals to either be made electronically via NHDES' OneStop Data Provider portal or in paper. If submittals are made via OneStop, a single paper copy is also required. Review the Instructions for Submitting Electronic Documents and Submittal Cover Sheet Template prior to making an electronic submittal. If submittals are made in paper only, three copies are required. Submit paper copies to:
NH Department of Environmental Services
Waste Management Division, Solid Waste Management Bureau
PO Box 95, 29 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03302-0095
Document Review
All public documents received and sent by the SWMB on or after January 1, 2018, are routinely made available for viewing by the public on NHDES' OneStop database, typically within a few days of receipt. Documents received or sent by the SWMB prior to January 1, 2018, are available for review by request directed to the NHDES Public Information Center (603-271-2919; filereview@des.nh.gov).
Documents
Unlined Landfill & Incinerator Closure Grants
Providing reimbursement to municipalities for a portion of the costs associated with the closure of an unlined landfill and/or incinerator.