Ever wonder what to do with your trash in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire? Whether you’re new to the area or just trying to figure out your local transfer station hours, this post breaks it all down—town by town.
Let’s talk trash. (No, really.) From curbside pick-up to quirky dump run cafes, here’s everything you need to know about managing household waste in Belknap County, NH.
Alton
No curbside trash pickup here, but the Alton Solid Waste and Recycling Center has your back. You’ll need a resident permit, and recycling is mandatory. That includes newspapers, cardboard, plastics, oil, batteries, bulbs, glass, and more. Large item disposal (like that fridge that finally quit) has a separate fee. Check the town website for hours and acceptable items.
Barnstead
Barnstead is part of the BCEP Solid Waste District, along with Pittsfield, Epsom, and Chichester. No curbside pickup—residents bring their trash to the Pittsfield site. Online info can be sparse, so it’s best to call the town office—just not on the third Wednesday of the month (they’re closed).
The town website is locate here.
Belmont
Good news: Belmont does have curbside pickup! Casella/Bestway handles trash and recycling, with bins provided. Trash is collected weekly (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, depending on your street), and recycling is picked up every other week. Got bulky items? Head to the Casella facility on weekdays. Properties with 4 or more dwelling units per lot and non-residential uses must contract directly with a private service, however.
To get more information, head to the Belmont site.
Canterbury
No curbside service. Instead, take your trash to the Baptist Road Transfer Station on Wednesdays or Saturdays. Recycling is expected, and the town website has details on sorting guidelines and open hours
Gilford
Gilford residents bring waste to the Gilford Recycle Center at 100 Recycle Way. Separate your clean recyclables to help reduce disposal costs. Household trash is compacted and incinerated at the Penacook facility. Check the Gilford website for updates and rules.
Gilmanton
Small town Gilmanton does not have curb side pick-up and disposal of trash has been a hot topic in this area…especially on their FB page! Stickers for the transfer station are available through the Town Clerk and the days and hours of operation do include Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, but have been known to have some inconsistencies, so your best bet is to check the town site, and even call the Town Hall to be sure. Single stream recycling is available (please do not bag these items), however, it does fill up quickly (thank you, Gilmanton residents for recycling!).
On another note, you can always head on over for breakfast and music at the Dump Run Cafe behind the Gilmanton Community Church on Wednesday mornings after making YOUR dump run. Breakfast is 8-10, with music typically starting around 8:30.
Laconia
Laconia residents do have curbside trash and recycling pick-up. Trash pick-up is weekly, Monday through Friday. Your day depends on your location within the city. You can find a map and schedule on their site. Recycling is picked up every other week on that same day. There are also designated weeks in April, May, October and November for curbside leaf collection! You may obtain a “bulky item” sticker from the Town Clerk if necessary for once/month pick-up, however, electronics and items with freon (like a/cs and refrigerators) will not be picked up. These other items may be disposed of for a fee at the transfer station on Meredith Center Road. For hours of operation and fees, check their site.
Loudon
Loudon residents will need to bring household trash to the transfer station on Dump Rd. open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There are restrictions on recycling that can be found on their site. The Transfer Station Fees link has these details along with any fees for electronics and other larger items.
Meredith
Permits to the Meredith Solid Waste Facility on Jenness Hill Road are required. They may be purchased for two years through the facility or at the town hall. The facility is open six days a week, closed on Wednesdays and holidays from 8am – 3pm. For questions about recycling and trash disposal, you can call (603)279-8480 or head to the town site.
New Hampton
Residents of New Hampton will need to obtain a permit from the Town Hall at no charge to bring household trash and recycling to the transfer station on Mondays 8am – 4pm, Wednesdays 10am – 4pm and Saturdays 8am-4pm. Check the town site for any questions or confirmation of hours or call (603) 744-8025.
Sanbornton
Like most of these Belknap County towns, Sanbornton residents do not have curb side pick-up. Hours and days of the Transfer Station and Recycling Center on Shaw Hill Road vary depending on the season, so you may want to check the town site for this information. Household trash is “pay as you throw” with fees as follows:
Stickers for your own bags: 33 gallons – $1.75 and 20 gallons – $1.50
Sanbornton bags: 33 gallons – $2.00 and 20 gallons – $1.75
Zero sort recycling is also accepted.
Tilton
Tilton residents do have curb side trash pick-up, but NOT recycling. Trash barrels are provided by Casella’s for residential units of four families or less. Purple “overflow bags” may be purchased through the town hall if you have more trash than you can fit in the provided bins, however, they will not be picked up. These bags, as well as any large items and any recycling, may be disposed of at the Transfer Station on West Main Street Wednesdays and Fridays between 1pm – 3:30 pm or Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. A sticker is required and may be obtained by the Town Clerk. For more information, head to the town site.
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