Household Hazardous Waste Day
Held twice a year, in Spring and Fall at the Portsmouth Recycling Center, 680 Peverly Hill Road.
The next date is Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 am to 12 noon.
For residents (no commercial or industrial users) of Portsmouth, New Castle, Greenland, and Newington - proof of residency is required on arrival.
Location: Department of Public Works, 680 Peverly Hill Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
The largest acceptable container of household waste allowed is 5 gallons -- no drum containers.
NO LATEX PAINT will be accepted at this collection event. Latex paint may be solidified with kitty litter, sawdust, speedy dry or by opening the can and allowing the paint to completely dry before it is disposed at the Recycling Center.
Bring your unwanted household chemicals -- including the following -- to Portsmouth's Department of Public Works for safe disposal:
| From the Yard: | From the Garage: | From the House: | From the Workbench: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilizer | Acids | Bathroom cleaner | Brush cleaner |
| Pesticides | Car waxes/polish | Disinfectants | Corrosives |
| Fungicides | Creosote | Furniture polish | Paint (lead and oil-based) |
| Insect spray | Driveway sealers/tar | Metal polish | Stain/Finish |
| Lighter fluid | Flea powder | Mothballs | Rust preventative |
| Pest strips/traps | Gasoline | Oven cleaner | Solvents |
| Poisons | Radiator flush | Photo chemicals | Thinner/Turpentine |
| Pool chemicals | Roofing tar | Rug cleaner | Wood preservatives |
| Wood strippers |
Note: Residential light bulbs and non-lithium (alkaline) batteries are not considered household hazardous waste. They can be disposed of in curbside trash collection or taken directly to the Transfer Station at any time during normal operating hours. Go to more information about disposal of other materials including lithium batteries.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AND YOUR DRINKING WATER
What Is Household Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous wastes typically found in homes include: · Gasoline · Antifreeze · Photographic Chemicals · Oil-Based Paints · Drain Cleaners · Pesticides · Furniture Strippers · Oven Cleaners · Disinfectants · Kerosene · Spot Removers · Used Motor Oil · Auto Batteries
Why Should I be Concerned?
When improperly stored and disposed these products can injure you, your family, or your pets; harm the environment; and possibly contaminate drinking water supplies.
Are Some Places At Greater Risk Than Others?
The Portsmouth area is of particular concern because it has been identified as an area from which groundwater flows to a public drinking water supply. If you have a well on your property, you also need to think about protecting the groundwater that supplies your well.
What Should I Do?
Residents of Portsmouth, Greenland and Newington can bring their household hazardous waste to Portsmouth’s Department of Public Works, 680 Peverly Hill Rd. Portsmouth.
For more information, go to the NH DES Household Hazardous Waste Collection site or call DES at 603-271-2047.
For more information on protecting drinking water sources, go to the NH Drinking Water Source Protection Program or call DES at 603-271-7061.