Bulky Waste Pickup & Recycling Fee Schedule

Reduce Recycling Contamination

Questions on holiday pick-ups? Holiday Collection Schedule

 

Solid Waste & Recycling in Portsmouth

The City of Portsmouth is committed to efficient, sustainable solid waste and recycling services. Our program includes three main components:

1. Collection by the Department of Public Works (DPW)

  • Curbside Collection (Residential): Weekly pickup of trash and recyclables.

  • Curbside Collection (Downtown Commercial): Scheduled pickups for eligible businesses.

  • Recycling Center Drop-Off: Open to all Portsmouth residents.

2. Transportation

All collected materials are transported by DPW staff to appropriate facilities.

3. Processing & Disposal

Waste and recyclable materials are processed and disposed of by certified outside vendors.
➡️ View the 2016 Recovery Rate Analysis

Solid Waste Ordinance

Portsmouth’s Solid Waste Ordinance provides the official guidelines for waste collection and disposal. The DPW Solid Waste Group serves qualifying residential and commercial properties.

Our Goals:

  • Provide cost-effective curbside waste and recycling services.

  • Ensure environmentally responsible waste disposal.

  • Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations.

  • Keep public areas clean and free of litter.

  • Maintain trees, shrubbery, and beautification sites.

  • Offer seasonal yard waste pickup.

Snow-Related Delays

❄️ Winter Weather Notice:
For schedule changes due to snow, visit the Collection Schedule page.

Recycle Smart: How You Can Help

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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.

Waste Management Recycling Tips

 

Learn More:

🔗 Visit our Curbside Collection Resources
🔗 Check out Waste Management’s Recycling Guidelines