Waste Management

Hazardous Waste

What is Hazardous Waste?

The State of New Hampshire Hazardous Waste Rules, Env-HW 103.62, defines hazardous waste as any solid, semi-solid, liquid or contained gaseous waste, or any combination of these wastes which may cause or contribute to an increase in irreversible or incapacitating illness; waste which poses a present or potential threat to human health or the environment if improperly managed; and/or, waste which has been identified as a hazardous waste by the DES Waste Management Division. Industrial and commercial operations that generate more than 220 pounds of hazardous waste in one month must have a state certified staff person on site to ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. DES provides education and certification in order to comply with this requirement.

Household Hazardous Waste.

Households in the RPC region are also generators of hazardous waste. This type of waste is defined as household hazardous waste and is typically managed through annual or semi-annual collections organized by municipalities and the RPC. Examples of household hazardous waste include oil-based paint, automotive waste such oil and antifreeze, pesticides, batteries, mercury containing devices, and fluorescent bulbs.

In the RPC region, the RPC organizes and manages a household hazardous waste collection program for the towns of Exeter, Stratham, Newfields, East Kingston, Epping, Seabrook, and South Hampton in the early fall. There are several other collections held in the region, organized by municipalities.

For additional detail the RPC's household hazardous waste collection efforts visit the Household Hazardous Waste page.