Chester NH Transfer Station

06/08/2025

Thank you NHRecycles (formerly NRRA) for getting important information out! :)

Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Ban Info.
As of July 1st, it is illegal for anyone in New Hampshire - resident, business, hauler, or transfer station (just to name a few) - to throw lithium-ion batteries into the waste stream to end up in a landfill or waste-to-energy incinerator. In accordance with RSA 149-M:27:
"No person shall dispose of any wet-cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or electronic devices in any solid waste landfill facility or incinerator in New Hampshire."

What do residents need to know?
Yes, it's illegal for YOU to dispose of lithium-ion batteries as well. Why? In short, it's REALLY dangerous - these batteries can explode, give off caustic gasses, and catch fire spontaneously when the case surrounding the battery is punctured or crushed. These fires have caused millions in physical damage and caused injury and death (yikes!)
While transfer stations were already diverting and recycling wet-cell batteries (like car batteries) and electronics, diverting lithium-ion batteries is a newer request...but an important one. Recently, we wrote an article about the hidden dangers lurking in plain sight in many scrap metal piles - rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that when damaged can easily cause costly fires and explosions, or even preventable injuries and deaths.

https://www.nhrecycles.org/waste-diversion-reduction-toolkits/batteries-toolkithttps:/
www.des.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog

01/08/2025

October will be here before you know it ;)
Here is your next Hazardous Waste Day Information, Folks!

18/07/2025

Folks,
I know, that you know,.......This is NOT ok.
These items were left Monday while the facility was closed.
Please don't do this! Call for a private appointment Tuesday thru Friday. I am happy to help out.

14/06/2025

New Rechargeable Battery Disposal Ban to take effect
Starting July 1, 2025, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will be prohibited from disposal in New Hampshire’s landfills and incinerators. Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide variety of consumer products, including:

Automotive vehicles.
Electric bikes and scooters.
Lawncare equipment.
Portable electronics such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, wireless headphones, speakers, toothbrushes and other rechargeable electronic devices.
Cordless power tools.
Toys.
Why is there a disposal ban?
Lithium-ion batteries contain hazardous metals and can pose safety hazards when improperly managed. When crushed or damaged in any way, they can ignite – causing intense fires. For these reasons, lithium-ion batteries should never be put in the trash or curbside recycling bin! Lithium-ion batteries have become a leading cause of fires for trash haulers and waste management facilities. A recent report by the National Waste and Recycling Association estimates that each year more than 5,000 fires occur at waste management facilities nationwide, many likely caused by lithium-ion batteries. Fires are not only a safety hazard to waste staff and the public; they also can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages to expensive equipment and buildings.

In an effort to reduce the safety risks associated with improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries, New Hampshire State Rep. Karen Ebel introduced HB 1386, which proposed to add such batteries to the list of wastes already banned from disposal. The bill gained the support of the New Hampshire Solid Waste Working Group, industry experts, waste haulers and municipalities, and was signed into law by Governor Sununu.

Who does the ban apply to?
Starting July 2025, households and businesses must recycle their lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries must be recycled through special battery collection programs – never mixed with regular recyclables.

Where can I recycle my lithium-ion batteries?
Many New Hampshire municipalities and businesses, like Staples, Best Buy or BatteriesPlus offer collection boxes for recycling rechargeable batteries. To find a drop-off site nearest to you, contact your local transfer station, check Call2Recycle.org, or visit one of the retail locations mentioned above. Remember – if it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable!

To learn more about how to manage different types of batteries, visit the Battery section of the NHDES Managing My Waste webpage.

Questions? Need help identifying a battery?
Residents should contact their local transfer station or the NHDES Household Hazardous Waste Program via email at [email protected] or by phone at (603) 271-2047. Businesses should contact the Hazardous Waste Helpline at 1-866-HAZ-WAST.

07/06/2025

Folks,
We have closed a corner section of MSW (garbage) compactor. Garbage bags should be thrown to the left side. Repair is scheduled for next week, please help us out until that happens. :)
We appreciate it!

07/06/2025

Folks,
It is very important batteries and fluids are removed before dropping items at metal area.
Please note, there are signs of items NOT accepted in the metal container and inside the container is EMPLOYEES ONLY.
Thank you!!!

30/05/2025

I found these items on Dump Road at the plow this morning. There was evidence inside the container the items are leftover from a yard sale. It is NOT ok to illegally dump in this Town. Please feel free to contact me directly (851-0607) should you need a private appointment rather than dispose on the sides of our roads.

30/05/2025

22/05/2025

Folks using Burn Pile.......
This is NOT ok. This is construction debris and does not belong in our facility, let alone the burn pile. To who ever left it, please do better. These type of items can cause the burn pile to be permanently shut down.