Frequently Asked Questions

What is automated trash collection ?
Automated collection uses a mechanical arm on trucks to empty trash carts, instead of workers lifting heavy barrels. Fully-automated trucks have controls inside the truck that allow the driver to operate a mechanical arm that lifts, dumps and returns the cart to the curb. In semi-automated routes, carts must be wheeled to the truck and latched to a mechanical tipper to be emptied.

How does the automated collection program work ?

Regular household trash must be placed in bags inside the cart.
Please do not overload cart.
When the cart is full, the lid should be kept closed to control odors and animals.
Carts must be wheeled out to the curb no earlier than 24 hours before collection day, and by 6:45 am on the scheduled collection day.
Grasp the handle and tilt the cart toward you; push or pull the cart to roll it; handle the cart with care on slopes, inclines or steps.
Keep each cart at least 3 feet from other objects, including other carts, recycling bins, utility poles, mailboxes, etc.
Keep at least 10 feet between the cart and a parked car.
Clear ice & snow from a space at the curb for the cart & bins after a storm.
Remove cart from street at the end of the collection day .
Please avoid these common problems:
- Multiple carts placed too close together (separate by at least 3 feet)
- Carts too close to mailboxes or utility poles (keep at least 3 feet away)
- Recycling bins or soft yard waste barrels / bags too close to cart separate by at least 3 feet, or put on opposite side of driveway

May I get more than one cart ?
Extensive research demonstrates that one cart provides adequate storage for an average family that also recycles. Special circumstances should be brought to the attention of the Solid Waste Department, and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Only carts issued by the City will be collected; other barrels or carts will not be picked up.

What happens if the cart is damaged or stolen ?
Any problems with carts must be reported to the Solid Waste Department, at 589-3410; repair or replacement of carts damaged through normal use will occur within 48 hours.

What happens if it snows ?
Residents must keep an area at curbside clear of ice and snow for carts and recycling bins and any items for special pickup.

May I take the cart and bins with me when I move, or use them at another property which I own ?
No. Carts remain the property of the City of Nashua and may not be moved from the assigned property. Each cart has an identification number on the front that is registered to a specific address.

What do I do with the trash from a home construction project ?
Residents may take construction and demolition (C & D) debris directly to the Four Hills Landfill; C & D waste is NOT picked up at curbside. A regular residential permit is required and payment is required for more than 200 lbs. See the Four Hills Landfill page for the fee schedule for C & D material.

What do I do with trash from a basement cleanout or when I move out ?
Since the curbside trash collection is only for regular household trash, any trash from a cleanout or move-out must be brought directly to the Four Hills Landfill. A residential permit is required.

What do I do with oversize items, like furniture or appliances, like a couch or stove ?
Oversize metal or bulky items and tires will be picked up separately; call to schedule an appointment for the following week’s pickup. Call 589-3410 to reach the Department’s automated phone system, then press 6 and follow directions to register a request for pickup. Click on one of these three links to go to its an on-line request form: Bulky Items, Metal Items, Tires. Residents may take acceptable waste directly to the Four Hills Landfill.

Special pickups – ANNUAL limits

First 3 metal items picked up by the Solid Waste Department - no charge
First 5 bulky items picked up by the Solid Waste Department - no charge
First 4 tires picked up by Solid Waste Department - no charge
All items must be called in for pickup by appointment only at 589-3410
After limit is reached, there will be a pickup charge of $25.00 per item Residents may take items directly to the Four Hills Landfill at no charge; a residential permit is required to use the facility.

What can I do with my old barrels ?
You may use the barrels for soft yard waste pickup.

May I have another recycling bin ?
Two recycling bins are given to each household – one for mixed paper and the other for commingled containers. If extra space is needed, residents may use additional bins, but they must have handles and must be approximately the same size and height as the City-issued recycling bins; a laundry basket or plastic storage container would be acceptable. NO barrels or plastic bags will be picked up.

What do I do with paints and other hazardous wastes ?

Hazardous wastes must NOT be put into the trash, poured down the drain, on the ground or in surface water. They must be carefully handled and appropriately disposed of. Therefore, the City of Nashua hosts 5 collections each year for hazardous wastes. Click here for more information on events and alternatives to hazardous products.
Latex paints & other latex-based must be DRIED OUT till they are rock solid. Once solid, the paints will not harm the Landfill. The solid paint must not be put into the trash; it has to be brought directly to the Landfill for disposal.

How do I dispose of asbestos from my home ?
Asbestos disposal is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Compliance with handling and packaging is required, as well as prior notification and approval by the Solid Waste Department. For more information, see Asbestos on the Four Hills Landfill page.