NH Recycles

05/22/2026

Our Municipal Recycling Advisor, Steve Bean (pictured right), recently visited the Dunbarton Transfer Station to meet with new interim manager Greg Rule (pictured left) and check in on operations.

NH Recycles is glad to continue supporting Dunbarton with technical assistance, market connections, and reliable outlets for their recyclable materials. We were especially grateful to hear from town administration how much they value having NH Recycles as a resource when questions or challenges come up.

It was also great to see Dunbarton’s team in action. With a newer, younger staff and strong day-to-day leadership from Greg, the facility is in good hands.

And yes — we love a good piece of equipment! This can crusher helps flatten aluminum cans so they take up less space in the open-top container, making storage and hauling more efficient.

Thanks to the Dunbarton team for the warm welcome and for the work you do every day to keep recycling moving.

05/15/2026

WISH-CYCLING IS JUST TRASH WITH GOOD THOUGHTS!
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: just because something has the ♻️ symbol — also known as the chasing arrows — does not mean it is recyclable in your local program.

When you put a non-recyclable item in the recycling bin, it does not magically become recyclable. It becomes trash in the recycling stream, where it can contaminate good recyclables, create extra sorting work, or even get stuck, tangled, or wrapped in processing equipment.

That’s called wish-cycling: putting something in the bin and hoping it will be recycled, even when you are not sure it belongs there.

Wish-cycling may come from good intentions, but it can cause real problems, including contaminated loads, higher costs, and potentially dangerous equipment shutdowns.

What you can do:

1. ASK your transfer station operator if an item is accepted in your local recycling program.
2. When in doubt, throw it out.

Recycling works best when we recycle the right things!

05/08/2026

For educational purposes, we are sharing this upcoming public information sessions and public hearing. See attached post and link for more information.

A public hearing is scheduled at the Londonderry Town Hall, 268B Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH on Monday, May 11 at 7:15 p.m. for receipt of oral testimony.

Prior to the public hearing, NHDES will hold a public information session from 5:45 to 7 p.m. For additional information, and to register to attend, visit: https://www.des.nh.gov/event/public-hearing-and-information-session-purposeenergy-londonderry-llc-and-recycleworks

05/07/2026

⏰ Final call for registration!

Registration for the 2026 NH Recycles Recycling Conference & Expo closes Friday at noon.

Join us on Monday, May 18 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord for a full day of practical workshops, exhibitor conversations, networking, and real-world information for transfer station operators, public works staff, recycling coordinators, municipal leaders, and solid waste partners.

North Country operators can attend for free through grant-supported registration. If you work at a North Country transfer station and have been thinking about attending, now is the time to register.

Don’t miss the deadline — registration closes Friday at noon!!

♻️ REGISTER NOW: https://www.nhrecycles.org/attendee-registration

04/22/2026

WHEN IT COMES TO RECYCLING, KEEP IT LOOSE!

Ever tossed your recycling in a bag to keep things tidy? You’re not alone—but when it comes to recycling, loose is best.

For single-stream or curbside recycling, unless your hauler says otherwise, place all items loose in your bin—no bags.

At transfer stations and recycling centers, source-separated materials should be sorted individually. Tossing in bagged recyclables can contaminate the whole load (and make more work for operators).

One exception: Some facilities accept shredded paper if it’s contained in a paper bag—but always check with your transfer station first.

03/31/2026

We’re hiring ♻️

NH Recycles is looking for an Education Coordinator to support education, communications, events, and outreach across New Hampshire and beyond.

This is a great fit for someone who wants meaningful work and a workplace that values balance and support.

Why NH Recycles?
✔️ Strong benefits (health, dental, HRA)
✔️ 401(k) with up to 6% match
✔️ Generous PTO + flexibility
✔️ Supportive, mission-driven team
✔️ Work that directly impacts communities

📍 Epsom, NH (with some remote flexibility)
💼 Full-time

👉 Learn more + apply:
https://www.nhrecycles.org/news/we-are-hiring-seeking-education-coordinator

Tag someone who should see this—or share it with your network.

03/31/2026

💻 Live Webinar: Solid Waste Safety & Lithium-Ion Battery Fires 💻

Can’t attend an in-person summit? Join NH Recycles for a FREE live webinar focused on lithium-ion battery fire prevention and response at solid waste facilities.

📅 Monday, April 6
⏱ 1.5 hours | Live webinar
💲 Free and open to all

👉 Register now: www.nhrecycles.org/solid-waste-safety -summit

A great option for operators, municipal staff, firefighters, and interested residents.

03/27/2026

Big news at NH Recycles—and a lot more inside this issue of Full of Scrap.

After seven years of leadership, Reagan Bissonnette will be stepping down as Executive Director this May, with Andrea Folsom stepping into the role. We’re grateful for Reagan’s impact and excited for what’s ahead.

Plus: battery safety takeaways, PET market updates, and a reminder—Early Bird Conference rates won’t last forever!

👉 Read the full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/nhrecycles.org/big-news-early-bird-reminder

03/27/2026

MAKING YOUR RECYCLING LIFE EASIER 🙌

You do NOT need to remove the clear windows from envelopes before recycling.

A community member recently asked us:
“I’ve always removed the plastic window—do I actually need to?”

Short answer: Nope!

This used to be a common rule, but recycling and envelope manufacturing have improved. Today:

Some envelope windows are made from materials that break down during the paper recycling process

Plastic windows are separated out during processing

So if you’ve been painstakingly ripping those out—or tossing the whole envelope instead—good news: you can recycle the entire envelope as-is with your mixed paper.

Less hassle, more recycling. Win-win. ♻️

Want to go deeper? Learn more about recycling mail: https://www.afandpa.org/news/2018/do-you-know-how-recycle-all-different-types-mail-you-receive

03/23/2026

NH Recycles is sharing an important leadership update.

After seven years as Executive Director, Reagan Bissonnette will be stepping down from her role. The Board has selected Andrea Folsom as the next Executive Director, effective May 18.

We’re grateful for Reagan’s leadership and the strong foundation she has built, and we look forward to continuing this work with our members, partners, and communities across New Hampshire and the region.

Please join us in thanking Reagan and welcoming Andrea!

Learn more: https://www.nhrecycles.org/news/nh-recycles-announces-executive-director-transition