NH Recycles has launched its Solid Waste Safety Program, a new statewide initiative designed to improve transfer station safety, reduce solid waste, and protect water quality in rural New Hampshire communities. The program is supported by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Solid Waste Management Grant.
NH Recycles is a multistate nonprofit organization that has supported community-based recycling programs for more than 40 years and works with approximately 90 percent of New Hampshire municipalities. In recent years, rural transfer stations have faced growing safety challenges, including improperly disposed rechargeable batteries and hazardous contaminants in scrap metal – materials that can threaten worker safety and contaminate local water supplies when not properly managed.
The Solid Waste Safety program will provide free technical assistance and training to 100 New Hampshire communities with populations under 5,500 and median household incomes below the state’s non-metropolitan average. Support will focus on improving transfer station safety, reducing hazardous materials in the waste stream and promoting environmentally sound and fiscally sustainable practices.
Program activities include in-person transfer station site visits, group safety trainings and summits, safety-focused recycling facility tours and the development of print and online safety resources such as toolkits and newsletters. A safety demonstration project at a community transfer station will test and share practical approaches to improving safety and reducing contamination. Participating communities will also receive stipends and free safety supplies.
The Solid Waste Safety program runs through September 30, 2026 and supports USDA Rural Development’s mission to help rural communities improve solid waste management and reduce pollution of drinking water and surface waters.
Published February 2026
