The City has a Solid Waste Ordinance (click here) that establishes guidelines for trash pickup and disposal. The Department of Public Works' Solid Waste Group is responsible for waste collection/disposal from both private / commercial residences / establishments that fall within established criteria. Our objectives are to:

We worry that shredded paper will blow around your yard and neighborhood while awaiting curbside collection or while being emptied into the collection truck. Please take the following steps to prepare your confidential and/or sensitive documents for recycling:

Which is safer to protecting the information written on your discarded paper: recycling or trash disposal? 

ANSWER: Some people think the trash is better. However, neither method is secure for personal or confidential information.

Here are some basic facts, preventive steps and tips to help you while still getting rid of unwanted paper and/or clutter:

Antifreeze

Bring it to the Recycling Center. The antifreeze must be clean and clear. If it is contaminated with any other type of waste (i.e. oil or gasoline) it must be disposed of as a hazardous waste.

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Batteries

Please note: Alkaline Batteries can be disposed of in the regular household trash.

Portsmouth residents may obtain a vehicle sticker for easier access to the Recycling Center. 

Residents may apply for the stickers at the Recycling Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:45 to 3:15PM. by filling out an application and providing their vehicle registration as proof of residency. Stickers will be issued on an annual basis and are to be placed on the driver's side windshield.  Resident stickers are also available at the Department of Public Works

Stickers are free of charge. 

It's easy to recycle in Portsmouth. Simply get your recycling bin(s) and use it! 

Residents may pick up a recycling bin, at the Department of Public Works, 680 Peverly Hill Rd, Portsmouth, M-F 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
There is a $10.00 fee for purchase of recycle bins.
When you have your bins, use them every week!

PORTSMOUTH - Portsmouth residents may now recycle prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses and non-prescription sunglasses at the City’s Recycling Center by placing them in specially marked collection boxes.

Residents can donate their used eyeglasses (including sunglasses and reading glasses) by placing them in the specially marked “Lions Recycle for Sight” collection boxes located at the Recycling Center behind the Department of Public Works building at 680 Peverly Hill Road.

PORTSMOUTH - Portsmouth residents are urged to take advantage of a City program to recycle used cooking oil and grease, which helps the environment and avoids plumbing problems in homes, businesses and the City’s wastewater treatment system.

Rather than dump cooking oil and grease down the sink or toilet, or pouring it into a non-recyclable container to be placed in the weekly trash collection, residents should consider disposing of it in the designated yellow tank at the City’s Recycling Center behind the Public Works Department at 680 Peverly Hill Road.