🌱 Spring Cleanup & Household Hazardous Waste Day
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and yard! Don’t forget, Household Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for May 9, 2026, 8 am - 12 noon.
Have questions about holiday trash and recycling pickup? View the Holiday Collection Schedule or call our office at 603-427-1530.
♻️ Solid Waste & Recycling in Portsmouth
The City of Portsmouth is committed to providing efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible solid waste and recycling services. Our program includes three key components:
1. Collection by the Department of Public Works
- Residential Curbside Collection: Weekly pickup of trash and recyclables
- Downtown Commercial Collection: Scheduled service for eligible businesses
- Recycling Center Drop-Off: Available to all Portsmouth residents
2. Transportation
All collected materials are transported by DPW staff to designated processing facilities.
3. Processing & Disposal
Waste and recyclables are processed and responsibly managed by certified external partners.
📘 Solid Waste Ordinance
Portsmouth’s Solid Waste Ordinance establishes the official guidelines for waste collection, recycling, and disposal throughout the city. The Department of Public Works (DPW) Solid Waste Division provides services to eligible residential and commercial properties in accordance with these standards.
Our Goals
- Deliver Cost-Effective Services
Provide reliable and efficient curbside trash and recycling collection. - Protect the Environment
Ensure waste is handled and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. - Meet Regulatory Standards
Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations. - Maintain Clean Public Spaces
Keep streets, neighborhoods, and public areas free of litter. - Support Community Beautification
Maintain trees, shrubbery, and landscaped public spaces. - Provide Seasonal Services
Offer yard waste collection during designated times of the year.
Snow-Related Delays
❄️ Winter Weather Notice:
For schedule changes due to snow, see the Snow-Related Impacts page.
Recycle Smart: How You Can Help
Contamination is a major challenge for recycling programs nationwide. Let’s work together to keep Portsmouth’s recycling stream clean and cost-effective.
Top Recycling Tips:
- ❌ No Plastic Bags in Curbside Recycling!
Take them to participating grocery or retail stores. - 🥡 Compost Food-Soiled Paper:
These materials should never go in recycling. You can drop off compost at our Recycling Center!
✅ Clean recyclables = lower costs and a healthier environment.
