Trash and Recycling Collection in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth, New Hampshire provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection for residents across the city. This article provides an overview of collection schedules, guidelines, and key information for Portsmouth households to ensure proper disposal.

Trash Collection

• Trash pickup occurs once per week on a designated weekday:

  • Monday – Properties north of Islington Street

  • Tuesday – Downtown and Atlantic Heights

  • Wednesday – South End

  • Thursday – West End

  • Friday – Areas east of Maplewood Avenue

• Trash must be placed curbside in barrels after 7PM the evening before scheduled collection day.

• Downtown businesses should place trash out 1-2 hours before pickup per city ordinance.

• Each property is limited to 300 gallons of trash per week.

• Excess waste requires an additional pickup tag – $2 each from City Hall.

• Collection is year-round, including holidays, unless specified. Schedules shift after some holidays.

• Severe weather may delay collection. Missed pickups are completed the following weekday.

Recycling Collection

• Recycling is mandatory and picked up weekly on the same day as trash.

• Accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, cans, and plastic containers (#1-7).

• Rinse containers and remove caps and labels before recycling.

• Flatten cardboard boxes. Keep paper dry.

• Use green recycling bins provided by the city.

• Overflow can be placed in clear plastic bags beside bins.

Yard Waste Collection

• Yard waste pickup is weekly from April 1 to November 30.

• Grass clippings, leaves, brush and trimmings must be placed in paper bags or marked barrels.

• Brush should be bundled in 4 foot lengths using string or twine.

• Separate yard waste from regular trash.

Bulky Waste Collection

• Bulk items like appliances, mattresses, and furniture can be picked up curbside by appointment.

• Fees range from $5-$20 per item. $5 minimum pickup fee.

• Call Public Works at (603) 427-1530 to schedule.

• Fees must be paid online in advance.

• Separate bulk items from regular trash.

Holiday Schedule

• If a holiday is not listed, pickup continues as normal.

• Collection shifts to the following day after some holidays.

• See the holiday collection schedule for adjusted dates.

Guidelines

• Clearly label trash and recycling bins. Keep separate.

• Break down and flatten cardboard boxes.

• Rinse food residue from containers before recycling.

• Place bins curbside before 7AM on pickup day.

• Retrieve bins promptly after collection.

• Contact Public Works for any missed pickups.

• Yard waste must be in paper bags or marked barrels. No plastic.

• Schedule bulky pickups in advance and pay fees online.

• Avoid overflow and excess trash fees when possible.

Properly preparing materials helps collection go smoothly and reduces contamination in recycling. Check with Public Works if you have any questions about proper sorting or disposal methods.

Recycling Center

The Recycling Center located at 680 Peverly Hill Rd also accepts recyclables and yard waste Tuesday-Thursday 7:45AM-3:15PM and Saturday 8AM-2PM.

Contact Information

For more information on trash and recycling services in Portsmouth, contact:

Department of Public Works

Phone: (603) 427-1530

Website: CityofPortsmouth.com/PublicWorks

Following the provided collection schedule, guidelines, and preparation methods will help Portsmouth residents properly dispose of waste and recyclables. Check the holiday schedule for any adjusted pickup dates after major holidays. Contact Public Works with any questions.