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HB 1192

exempting certain household pharmaceutical wastes from the definition of hazardous waste.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Germana and 1 co-sponsor

New Hampshire bill exempts certain household medication wastes from hazardous waste regulations, allowing standard household trash disposal instead of specialized take-back programs.

Signed by Governor Ayotte 06/05/2026; Chapter 120; eff.08/04/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1192

Legislative bill overview

HB 1192 proposes to exempt certain household pharmaceutical wastes from New Hampshire's hazardous waste classification and disposal requirements. This would allow residents to dispose of certain medications through standard household waste streams rather than requiring them to use specialized pharmaceutical take-back programs or hazardous waste facilities.

Why is this important

Currently, unused or expired medications are typically classified as hazardous waste due to potential environmental and health risks if they contaminate water supplies or soil. This bill would change disposal requirements for households, potentially affecting environmental protection standards, pharmaceutical company take-back program participation, and wastewater treatment facility operations. The change could either reduce regulatory burden on households or increase environmental contamination risks, depending on which pharmaceuticals are exempted and how prevalent improper disposal becomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental impact: Whether exempted pharmaceuticals pose genuine risks to waterways and ecosystems when disposed in household trash destined for landfills
  • Scope of exemption: Which specific medications qualify for exemption and whether that classification is scientifically justified or arbitrarily determined
  • Program viability: Whether pharmaceutical take-back programs (already established statewide) would become underutilized or unsustainable if household disposal becomes easier
  • Public health precedent: Whether this sets a precedent for exempting other hazardous household materials from proper disposal requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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