How to Get Rid of Materials . . .
Ten Tips -- How to Recycle Right
1 On collection day, place your containers curbside without blocking the sidewalk. Containers should be at least 3 feet away from other containers, trees, mailboxes, posts, parked cars and other obstacles so that they are easily accessible.
2 Do NOT put food, liquids, or food-stained cardboard into the recycling bin. Paper plates, paper cups, ice cream containers and juice boxes go in the trash.
3 Do NOT put plastic straws, cups, bowls, plates, knives, forks, or spoons into the recycling bin.
Disposable containers and packaging are generally made of polystyrene (plastic #6). Polystyrene is a low-value plastic; it is expensive to recycle. Laconia only accepts plastics #1-5.
4 Do NOT put plastic bags or plastic wrap in the recycling bin.
Plastic bags tend to jam the sorting machinery. This can damage the conveyors and create hazardous conditions for sorters.
Keep an eye on the “Laconia Links” newsletter to find out when local non-profit groups plan to collect and recycle soft plastics.
5 Bottles and jars can be recycled but caps and lids go in the trash.
Plastic # 1-5 are recyclable. Glass, regardless of color, can also be placed in the recycling bin.
6 Recycle clean paper, box board and corrugated cardboard.
We do accept cardboard with tape on it with the recycling. However, if you have the chance to remove the tape, please add it to the trash.
7 Reduce.
If you don’t need it, don’t get it. Whether its a bag at the supermarket or the plasticware that comes with take out food, let the cashier know if it’s unnecessary.
8 Reuse.
Repurpose it or repair it. For example, a little sewing can often make clothing as good as new again. While it is not feasible to donate clothing via curbside collection, dry, mold-free clothing can be donated at the transfer station.
9 Compost.
Most food waste can be composted. Their nutrients can be returned to the soil. This is a great way to nourish your lawn or garden.
1O When in doubt, throw it out.
Items such as wrapping paper and tin foil are not recyclable. Avoid “wish-cycling.” It can contaminate loads of good materials and cause them to be sent into the landfill.
Thank you for your support. By recycling right, fewer loads of recyclables get rejected due to impurities.
How to Get Rid of ______ by Material
This table outlines the procedure for the proper disposal of the various types of solid waste. Follow the embedded links for additional details.
TYPE OF MATERIAL | CURBSIDE PICK UP | DROP -OFF FACILITIES/EVENT |
BATTERIESHousehold batteries such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries ---------- Rechageable batteries such as Lithium and Nickel Cadmium (Nicad)---------- Lead Batteries contain hazardous waste |
Household batteries can go with regular trash ---------- No curbside option for rechargeable batteries ---------- No curbside option for Lead batteries | Household batteries can go to the Laconia Transfer Station ---------- Many local hardware stores will accept rechargeable batteries ------------ Lead Batteries are accepted at . . . Hazardous Waste Collection Day Residents only (no businesses) Bring proof of residency (such as a car registration or a utility bill). or Facilities that collect Hazardous Waste |
BRUSH | Small amounts can go with regular trash | |
BULKY ITEMS(metal and non-metal) | Purchase a “Bulky item” sticker per item. Call the DPW (528-6379) for a collection date. Attach sticker and leave item at the curb after 7:00pm the night before collection or before 6:00am on the morning of collection. ---------- NOTHING WITH FREON OR AMMONIA HYDROXIDE SHOULD BE LEFT CURBSIDE. | Bulky Items are accepted at the Laconia Transfer Station --------------- (THE CITY'S TRANSFER STATION CANNOT ACCEPT REFRIGERATORS THAT USE AMMONIA HYDROXIDE GAS AS A REFRIGERANT) |
Christmas Trees | No curbside option | or or In the month of January, there is a designated area in the parking lot next to the intersection of Memorial Park Drive and West Street. |
| Clothing, Shoes and Textiles (for donation to Apparel Impact) | No curbside option | Laconia Transfer Station (Clothing for donation must be dry and free of mold.) |
Construction/Demolition waste | No curbside option | |
Electronics | No curbside option | or may be recycled at certain local retail stores or working electronics may be accepted by donation by certain non-profit groups |
Fluorescent Bulbs | No curbside option | Many local hardware stores will accept fluorescent bulbs --both tubes and compact lamps |
| Glass | Place in Recycling Bin | Laconia Transfer Station |
Hazardous Waste (residential only) | No curbside option | Hazardous Waste Collection Day Residents only (no businesses) Bring proof of residency (such as a car registration or a utility bill). or |
Leaves | ||
Medication | No curbside option | May be deposited into an unused medication dropbox located in the lobby of the Laconia Police Department at 126 New Salem Street. (open 24/7) |
PAINTLatex Paint ---------- Oil-Based Paint | Once cans of latex paint have been left open until the paint inside is thoroughly dried, they may be discarded as trash. ---------- No curbside option for oil -based paint | Thoroughly dried cans of latex paint may be discarded as trash at the Laconia Transfer Station. ---------- Oil Based paint is accepted at Hazardous Waste Collection Day Residents only (no businesses) Bring proof of residency (such as a car registration or a utility bill). or |
| Picked up every other week. See the Pick Up Schedule and Collection Map for scheduling information. | |
Tires | No curbside option | |
Trash
| Picked up weekly. See the Pick up Schedule and Collection Map for scheduling information. | . |