KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Staff from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) recently visited the Keene Transfer Station to observe waste sorting activities as part of a statewide waste characterization study.

The study, commissioned by NHDES, aims to analyze waste streams from residential, commercial, and institutional sectors across the state.

NHDES contracted MSW Consultants, a company specializing in waste analysis, to conduct the study. At the Keene Transfer Station, one of about 12 participating locations, workers sorted through municipal solid waste, separating it into nearly 80 categories, including plastics, paper, food waste, electronics, and textiles.

This marks the first statewide study of its kind in New Hampshire. The data collected will provide insights into the types of waste being discarded and may highlight opportunities to improve recycling and waste diversion efforts. The findings are also expected to support the implementation of the state’s Solid Waste Management Plan.

NHDES officials are focused on meeting New Hampshire’s legislative goals of reducing common waste disposal by 25 percent by 2030 and 45 percent by 2050. The results of the study are expected to be published in a final report in early 2025, offering guidance for future waste management practices.