How to Get Rid of Materials . . .
Ten Tips -- How to Recycle Right
1 Label your recycling containers clearly.
The City can provide you with free stickers if you need them. To help the trash hauler see them from the road, we suggest that you put labels on the two sides of each recycling container.
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 |
Batteries | C, D, AA, AAA and 9-volt batteries go with regular trash. (No lithium or nickel-cadmium batteries) | Batteries from cars, computers, cordless tools, and phones contain hazardous waste. Lakes Region Hazardous Products Facility or Residents only (no businesses) HHWC Day Bring proof of residency (such as a car registration or a utility bill). |
Brush | Small amounts can go with regular trash | |
NOTHING WITH FREON OR AMMONIA HYDROXIDE SHOULD BE LEFT CURBSIDE. | (Dump Sticker or Day Pass Required). (PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CITY'S TRANSFER STATION CANNOT ACCEPT REFRIGERATORS THAT USE AMMONIA HYDROXIDE GAS AS A REFRIGERANT AT THIS TIME.) | |
Purchase a “Bulky item” sticker per item. Attach and leave curbside with regular trash | (Dump Sticker or Day Pass Required). | |
Christmas Trees | Not Available | 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) | Not Available | Laconia Transfer Station (Clothing for donation must be dry and free of mold.) |
Construction/Demolition waste | Not Available | (Dump Sticker or Day Pass Required). |
Electronics | Not Available | (Dump Sticker or Day Pass Required) |
| Glass | Place in Recycling Bin | Laconia Transfer Station |
Hazardous Waste (residential only) | Not Available | Lakes Region Hazardous Products Facility or Residents only (no businesses) HHWC Day Bring proof of residency (such as a car registration or a utility bill). |
Leaves | ||
Latex paint only. After the paint cans have been left open until the paint inside is thoroughly dried, they may be discarded as trash. | Oil Based paint only. Lakes Region Hazardous Products Facility or Residents only (no businesses) HHWC Day Bring proof of residency (such as a car registration or a utility bill). | |
| Picked up every other week. See the Pick Up Schedule and Collection Map for scheduling information. | |
Tires | Not Available | (Dump Sticker or Day Pass Required). |
Trash
| Picked up weekly. See the Pick up Schedule and Collection Map for scheduling information. | (Dump Sticker or Day Pass Required). |