Waste Collection Schedule

Waste Collection Schedule

Due to the New Year's Holiday, there will be no curbside trash or recycling collection on Thursday, January 1. Instead, trash and recycling that is normally collected on Thursday will be picked up on Wednesday morning, December 31. The Department of Public Works suggests that residents whose collection day is Thursday, put their trash and recycling on the curb early on Wednesday morning, or, even better, the night before: Tuesday, December 30 (weather permitting) so as not to forget. That way, you are assured of trash and recycling collection before the Thursday holiday.

Transfer Station Hours: Tues-Thurs 7:45 am - 3:15 pm and Saturday 8 am-2 pm
Closed on Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2.

Snow Storm Impact

Want to know if a winter storm will delay your waste collection? See the Snow-Related Impacts page.

🗓️ Weekly Pickup: Monday – Friday
Your trash and recycling will be collected once a week based on your neighborhood’s schedule.

Curbside Waste Placement Guidelines

🏠 Residential Properties:

• Place trash and recycling at the curb after 7:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection day.

🏢 Downtown Businesses:

• As per City ordinance, trash should be placed curbside no more than 2 hours before pickup.

• The DPW typically starts collection around 3:00 PM, so have trash out by 1:00 PM to ensure compliance.

Important Reminders

• ✅ The City may inspect curbside waste to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

• 🗑️ Waste Limit: Up to 300 U.S. gallons per property per week.

• ♻️ Recycling is Mandatory – Let’s reduce landfill waste and protect the environment.
  ➡️ Learn more about our recycling program

📜 View the City’s Solid Waste Ordinances

Trash & Recycling Collection Route Map

📍 Click here to view the Trash & Recycling Route Map

Holiday Collection Schedule – 2025

If a holiday is not listed, collection follows your regular schedule.

Yard Waste Collection

🗓️ Seasonal Collection: April 1 – November 30

Set-out Guidelines:

• Use paper yard bags or clearly labeled barrels (“yard waste”).

• Max bag weight: 50 lbs.

• Brush: Bundle with string/twine.

  • Max bundle size: 1 ft diameter, 4 ft length

  • Max branch thickness: 5 inches

🔗 Click here for full yard waste details

Curbside Recycling Collection

♻️ Recycling is mandatory for both paper/fiber and containers.

Recyclables should be placed in a clearly marked bin, NOT BAGGED.

Preparation Guidelines:

• Rinse cans, glass, and plastic bottles before placing them in green bins.

• Remove caps, lids, corks, and plastic rings.

Accepted Paper Items:

• Newspapers, junk mail, inserts, magazines, office paper, folders

• Phone books, paperback books, cereal/pasta boxes, cardboard

• Milk/juice cartons (wax-coated), paper egg cartons

🔗 Full list of recyclable materials

Bulky Waste Collection

How It Works:

1. Pay the fee before your scheduled date. 

       💻 Schedule & Pay Online for curbside bulky waste collection. Click here to view fees and pickup options.

2. Schedule in advance – call to confirm pickup date.

        🛋️ To schedule a pickup, call Public Works at (603) 427-1530.

3. Place items curbside between 7:00 PM (day before) and 7:30 AM (day of pickup).

4. Separate from regular trash as directed.

Bulky Waste Collection by Week:

🚫 Do not place bulky waste curbside without scheduling with Public Works.

These services are designed with fiscal responsibility and environmental compliance in mind to best serve our Portsmouth community.