Recyclables

Date: October 26, 2023

Traditional recyclables include:

  • Aluminum cans.
  • Corrugated cardboard.
  • Glass bottles and jars.
  • Paper (e.g., newspaper, paperboard, magazines, catalogs, office paper).
  • Plastic jars, bottles and containers.
  • Tin/steel cans.

Recycling programs vary by municipality. They can be categorized into three main types: 

  1. Source separation – Recyclables are separated by material type. This method is common at many municipal transfer stations.
  2. Dual stream – Fibers (paper products) are separated from recyclable plastic, metal and glass containers. This method has become less common in recent years. 
  3. Single stream – Fibers and recyclable containers are mixed into one bin for sorting. This method has become common in communities with curbside collection programs.

Any recycling program is subject to risk of contamination from “wish-cycling,” inadequate preparation of recyclables, and misinformation about what items are accepted. 

Check with your transfer station or curbside hauler to learn which recyclables are accepted in your community and how to best prepare them for recycling. Before recycling, always:

  • Empty and rinse food and beverage containers.
  • Flatten cardboard boxes. Keep dry.

Other recyclables (specialized collection programs)

  • Electronics, Wires, Cords.
  • Plastic bags/film – Recycle plastic bags, film, and wrap at a retail location such as a local grocery store. Find a drop-off site near you.
  • Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) – Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is a #6 plastic often referred to by the trade name “Styrofoam.” The Gilford Transfer Station has a permitted program to accept and recycle Styrofoam from anywhere in New Hampshire. Municipalities and community groups can coordinate events to collect Styrofoam from their residents and bring it to the foam densifier in Gilford. To schedule a drop-off time, contact Gilford’s DPW Director by phone (603) 527-4778 or email at dpwdirector@gilfordnh.org.
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries – If it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable! Check with your local transfer station or find a participating retailer at BatteryPlus or Call2Recycle.org.

different recyclables sorted at a recycling facility         different recyclables sorted at a recycling facility

Questions? 

Please contact the Solid Waste General Helpline via email at solidwasteinfo@des.nh.gov or by phone at (603) 271-2925.

Visit our Managing My Waste page to learn about other types of household waste.