DPW Offers Spring Clean-up Reminders and a Battery Disposal Update

The City of Portsmouth Department of Public Works (DPW) marked the arrival of spring with Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, which served 254 participants, and with the annual Earth Day, and Arbor Day celebrations. DPW offers suggestions and reminders for the seasonal yard and garden cleanup and notice of a rechargeable battery disposal update.

Starting July 1, 2025, it will be illegal to dispose of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in New Hampshire landfills due to the fire hazard they pose when damaged. Never put rechargeable batteries in the trash or curbside recycling bin! Residents are encouraged to utilize the two Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation drop-boxes located at the Recycling Center and at the Department of Public Works or the local battery collection boxes listed at Call2Recycle.org.

In preparing lawns and gardens, the DPW Stormwater Division reminds people that leaves or landscaping waste should never be dumped near bodies of water or wetlands. Leaves choke the water flow and limit the natural oxygenation process, harming fish, and the aquatic environment. Additionally, chemical pesticides can often find their way into surrounding bodies of water. Overwatering harms the grass and has other negative impacts as southern New Hampshire is still experiencing drought conditions, even with the recent rains. Mowed leaves make a good mulch for adding nutrients for lawn growth and around trees to retain water and repel insects. For water protection ideas, visit “Think Blue! What can you do?” on the City’s website.

When preparing yard waste for curbside pickup ensure that paper bags or bins are clearly marked and contain only compostable materials – no plastics, metal, or dog waste. Abuses of this system mean the DPW crews must open every bag to check the contents, which could lead to the discontinuation of this service. Branches should be no longer than four feet and no bigger in diameter than five inches. Brush should be tied in manageable bundles no bigger than a foot in diameter and weighing less than 50 pounds. The Portsmouth DPW Recycling Center also accepts leaves and yard waste.

For those who do not have a garden and wish they did, DPW’s Parks and Greenery Division’s Adopt-A-Spot program gives residents the opportunity to plant and care for a small area. Residents can also assist by weeding sidewalks and curbs adjacent to their properties.