No,
Burning trash in New Hampshire is prohibited under state environmental regulations, with limited exceptions for agricultural or land-clearing burns. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) enforces strict prohibitions under Env-Wm 1400, aligning with federal Clean Air Act standards. Local fire departments and conservation commissions may impose additional restrictions, particularly in wildfire-prone regions. Violations carry penalties up to $25,000 under RSA 149-M:3, with enforcement escalating in 2026 under proposed amendments targeting open burning.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in New Hampshire
- Statewide Ban: NHDES Env-Wm 1400.03 explicitly bans open burning of municipal solid waste, including household trash, due to air quality and toxic emission risks. Exemptions exist only for yard waste, agricultural residues, or land-clearing debris under controlled permits.
- Local Permitting: Municipalities like Manchester and Concord require written approval from local fire chiefs or conservation commissions for permitted burns, which must adhere to set burn windows (e.g., no burning during air quality alerts).
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed NHDES amendments (effective 2026) will expand real-time air quality monitoring requirements for all burns, with mandatory reporting for particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeding 35 µg/m³. Non-compliance triggers automatic fines and potential criminal misdemeanor charges under RSA 149-M.