Trash, Recycling, and other Waste information for Residential Trash Services on City Streets

How do I get information about the trash collection system?


Trash and Recycling

All household trash must fit into the wheeled toters/carts supplied and serviced by Waste Management (WM). Overloaded toters or those with trash piles on top of the lid will not be serviced. Waste Management has also supplied Rochester residents with recycling toters/carts that will be serviced on the same day, by a different WM truck.  Recycled materials, such as paper, cans, glass, and bottles should be loaded into the yellow-covered recycle toter as are not bagged.  Do not place in plastic bags or plastic grocery store bags, they are not recyclable as part of this program. You may return clean plastic grocery bags to the store for recycling.   If you have any normal household garbage that is not recyclable and does not fit into the toter, you must buy a sticker at the tax office, $1.75 per 30-gallon bag, and you must bring it to the WM drop-off center at 18 Isinglass Drive, Rochester, NH.  All recycling may be brought to the drop-off center on the days they are open. 


What items does the City recycle?

Cardboard, glass jars & bottles, magazines, metal cans, mixed paper, newspapers, phonebooks, and all plastics.  For specific questions about Rochester's Curbside Recycling Guidelines please call Waste Management directly at 332-2386.


Bulky Waste

Hours of operation for the Rochester Residential Drop off at Waste Management, on Rochester Neck Road are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays 8 am to 5 pm. Rochester residents may bring mattresses, furniture, appliances, (not refrigerators or Air Conditioners), TVs, Tires, light construction debris, and all recycling at any time during these hours. If you are unsure about what can be brought to the drop off please call WM at 332-2386. If you cannot bring a large item to the drop-off center, large or bulky items are picked up the 2nd FULL week of the month (a full week starts with Sunday) ON YOUR REGULAR TRASH DAY.  Waste Management will NOT pick up any electronics curbside at any time; these items will need to be brought to the drop-off center.


2024 Schedule, Weeks Starting

  • Jan 15
  • Feb 12
  • Mar 11
  • Apr 15
  • May 13
  • Jun 10
  • Jul 15
  • Aug 12
  • Sep 9
  • Oct 14
  • Nov 11
  • Dec 9

Leaf and Yard Waste

Spring and fall leaf pick-up is scheduled with Waste Management of NH each year.  There are two scheduled weeks in the spring and two scheduled weeks in the fall.  The dates are posted in advance on the City Web site.  We also advertise the dates in the Foster's Daily Democrat.   Waste will be picked up on your normal trash day during the scheduled weeks. Leaves must be put in brown paper leaf bags. Bags are available at several local stores. Brush must be cut into 3-foot lengths and bundled.  


Frequently Asked Questions

When and where can I drop off hazardous waste such as paints and other household items?
The City has a Household Hazardous Waste Day, and it is usually held in the spring.   The 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for the communities of Barrington, Farmington, Milton, Middleton, New Durham, Northwood, Rochester, Somersworth, Strafford, and Wakefield will be held on Saturday May 4, 2024 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at Waste Management,18 Isinglass Drive (off of Rochester Neck Road) in Rochester.

2024 Household Hazardous Waste Day Flyer-May 4, 2024 Event

Who picks up my trash and what day? Is today one of the Holidays that trash pick up is a day behind?
Waste Management picks up the trash and recycling.  The number at which to reach them is 332-2386. The staff at Waste Management can help you with the above questions. There are only 6 holidays when there is a delay for pickup, those days are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. When the holiday falls on one of these days, that day's service and the remainder of the week will be delayed one day.

Where can I buy a recycling bin?
Recycle toter/carts have a yellow lid and are supplied by Waste Management and can not be purchased.   

Where can I dispose of used motor oil?
The Rochester Department of Public Works no longer takes used motor oil. Click here for local garages that may take used motor oil, you can also check with other local garages to see if they will take used motor oil.   

What should I do if I see someone dumping trash along the road?
Illegally dumping trash is dangerous, unsightly, and costly to pick up. If you see someone dumping trash in Rochester, please do us all a favor and call 330-7127 to report it.


Questions?

Contact Waste Management at 332-2386 or the Rochester DPW at 332-4096