Rep. Nick Germana

The math is pretty simple - the 2025 NH Waste Characterization Study shows that nearly 20% of the waste that goes into our landfills from in-state sources is plastic or glass (19.4%). The 2023-2024 NH DES Biennial Solid Waste Report shows that between 2020 and 2024, recycling rates have fallen from just under 21% to less than 17%. We are headed in the wrong direction. Studies show conclusively that bottle redemption systems work - states with such systems see recycling rates of 60-70%, while states (like NH) without such systems have recycling rates between 20-30%. Burying more recyclable material, especially plastic, should not be the New Hampshire Way.