Use Dover’s Mast Road Recycling Center Without Bringing the Wrong Load
Dover’s Recycling Center at 265 Mast Road accepts far more than basic cans and cardboard, but several items have fees, preparation rules, weight limits or separate collection procedures. Household trash and ordinary bulky furniture are not accepted as general Recycling Center drop-off.
This guide separates regular recycling, construction debris, electronics, appliances, batteries, oil, propane, compost, bulky curbside items and the 2026 household hazardous waste event so you can choose the correct Dover route before loading your vehicle.
Quick answer: when is Dover Recycling Center open?
The City of Dover currently lists the Recycling Center at 265 Mast Road, Dover, NH open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
The construction/demolition scale closes 15 minutes before the center. Dover has also published six extra Sunday openings for late 2026.
On this page
- Regular & fall Sunday hours
- Address, phone & permit
- Choose the correct disposal route
- Accepted recyclables
- Plastic rules
- Electronics & appliance fees
- Construction debris fees
- Waste oil rules
- Battery disposal
- Propane & gas tanks
- Food compost
- Yard waste
- Bulky items & trash
- 2026 HHW event
- Curbside recycling
- Before-you-go checklist
- Map
- FAQs
Dover Recycling Center Hours in 2026
| Day | Hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM | Regular open day. |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM | Regular open day. |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM | Regular weekend option. |
| Monday / Wednesday / Friday | No regular public schedule | Do not rely on map-app hours. |
| Sunday | Normally closed, except listed fall dates | See 2026 Sunday dates below. |
Extra Fall 2026 Sunday openings
The City has published these additional Sunday dates, all from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM:
- November 1, 2026
- November 8, 2026
- November 15, 2026
- November 22, 2026
- November 29, 2026
- December 6, 2026
C&D scale closes before the gate
If you are bringing construction or demolition debris, the scale closes 15 minutes before the Recycling Center. Do not arrive at 3:25 PM expecting to weigh and unload a paid debris load.
Address, Phone, Payment and Recycling Permit
Recycling Center: 265 Mast Road, Dover, NH.
The City lists 603-516-6073 for recycling information and Community Services at 603-516-6450 for broader municipal waste questions.
Payment
The City currently says paid Recycling Center services accept checks and credit cards. The official page also lists a credit-card processing fee, so verify the current percentage/minimum when the exact payment total matters.
Recycling permit
Dover’s current Talking Trash guidance says annual Recycling Center permits are issued through the City Clerk’s Office at no charge. Bring current vehicle registration and ID when requesting one.
Recycling bins are sold by the City
The City currently lists recycling bins at $8 each, available at the Recycling Center, City Clerk’s Office and Community Services.
Choose the Correct Dover Disposal Route
Regular Recycling Center drop-off
Use for accepted paper, cardboard, metals, selected plastics, glass, electronics, batteries, scrap metal and listed specialty materials.
Paid C&D scale
Use for accepted construction and demolition debris such as sheetrock, shingles, carpeting, certain wood and masonry debris.
Curbside bulky collection
Use Dover Tags for eligible non-metal household bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, toilets, carpets, couches and chairs.
Household hazardous waste event
Use the October 17, 2026 special event for eligible hazardous products such as solvents, pesticides, gasoline and oil-based paint.
What Dover Recycling Center Accepts
| Material | Accepted? | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed paper | Yes | Includes paper bags, catalogs, junk mail, magazines, newspaper, office paper and similar clean paper. |
| Cardboard | Yes | Break down and keep clean. |
| Paperback books | Yes | Hardcover book covers must be removed and discarded as trash. |
| Metal cans & foil | Yes | Includes tin, steel, aluminum cans and clean foil products. |
| Empty aerosol cans | Yes | Must be empty. |
| Air-dried empty paint cans | Yes | Only empty/dry cans, not liquid hazardous paint. |
| Glass | Some glass categories | Auto/safety/tempered glass, windows, plate glass and fish tanks are excluded from the listed glass route. |
| Light iron / scrap metal | Yes | Includes washers, dryers, ovens, grills, dishwashers and other large metal items. |
| Yard waste | Yes | Leaves, grass and brush are listed. |
Dover Plastic Recycling Rules
The City’s current Solid Waste and Recycling guidance lists plastics labeled #1, #2 and #5 as accepted.
Color restrictions matter
Dover currently says black, gray and dark-blue #1, #2 and #5 plastic containers are not accepted. A recycling symbol by itself therefore does not guarantee that a dark-colored container belongs in Dover’s recycling stream.
Empty and clean plastic containers before recycling. If the item is a bag, film, foam product, oversized plastic object or an unusual resin, verify it separately rather than assuming the resin number alone decides acceptance.
Electronics, TVs, Microwaves and Refrigerant Appliance Fees
Several electronic and appliance items are accepted only with a disposal fee.
| Item | Current published fee |
|---|---|
| Computer monitor | $10 |
| Printer | $5 |
| Scanner | $5 |
| Laptop | $5 |
| Mouse | Free |
| CPU | Free |
| Keyboard | Free |
| Tabletop copier | $5 |
| Rolling full-size copier | $20 |
| Fax machine | $5 |
| TV up to and including 36 in | $10 |
| TV over 36 in | $20 |
| Microwave | $10 |
| Refrigerator / freezer / AC / humidifier / dehumidifier | $20 |
Keep refrigerant systems intact
Do not cut refrigerant lines or vent a refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, humidifier or dehumidifier before disposal. These items use Dover’s refrigerant-appliance fee route.
Construction and Demolition Debris Fees
Dover accepts listed construction and demolition material through a weighed fee system.
Residents
$0.10 per pound, with a $5 minimum per load.
Contractors
$0.15 per pound, with a $25 minimum per load.
Accepted examples currently include sheetrock, insulation, wooden storm windows, shingles, carpeting, vinyl siding/flooring, plastic or Formica countertops, horsehair plaster, painted/vinyl fencing, PVC/plastic pipe, pressure-treated wood, rugs, tubs, toilets, sinks, wood and masonry debris.
Truck and trailer restrictions
Dover says loads larger than a one-ton dump-truck load are not accepted. Dump trailers with a box length over 12 feet are also prohibited from the C&D containers.
The scale closes 15 minutes before the center, so arrive early enough for inspection, weighing, payment and unloading.
Used Motor Oil and Waste-Oil Fluids
Dover accepts several waste-oil fluids, including used motor oil, kerosene, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, heating oil and oil filters.
Residents may not dump their own waste oil
The City requires waste oil to be brought in clear one-gallon containers. Each container must show the resident’s name, address and phone number, and Recycling Center staff must inspect the containers before they are left for disposal.
- Use clear one-gallon containers.
- Write your name on each container.
- Add your Dover address.
- Add a phone number.
- Do not pour the oil into the facility tank yourself.
- Present each container for staff inspection.
Battery Disposal Rules
Dover distinguishes ordinary alkaline batteries from rechargeable and automotive batteries.
| Battery | Dover route |
|---|---|
| AA / AAA / C / D alkaline | Regular trash |
| 9V / 6V alkaline | Regular trash under current City guidance |
| Lithium-ion rechargeable | Recycling Center battery bin; do not put in trash |
| NiCad / rechargeable | Recycling Center |
| Automobile / boat / motorcycle / lawn tractor | Recycling Center |
Lithium batteries are a fire risk
The City specifically notes that lithium-ion rechargeable batteries should not go into trash because of fire and explosion risk. Protect terminals from short-circuiting during transport.
Propane Tanks and Gas Tanks
Dover currently lists:
- 1 lb propane tank: free.
- 20 lb propane tank: $5.
- Other propane sizes: not accepted under the published rule.
Separate from propane cylinders, the City says gas tanks must be emptied and have a hole punctured in the side before acceptance.
Do not improvise on a pressurized or unsafe tank
If a cylinder or tank is damaged, leaking, pressurized or unfamiliar, contact Dover Community Services before modifying or transporting it.
Free Food Composting at the Recycling Center
Dover residents also have access to a no-cost food-composting option through the City’s partnership with Mr. Fox Composting.
The compost totes are located at the Recycling Center between the corrugated-cardboard container and used-book building. They are available whenever the Recycling Center is open: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Check Dover’s official food-composting page.
Yard Waste
The Recycling Center lists leaves, grass and brush as accepted yard waste.
Keep yard material separate from ordinary recycling, construction debris and household trash. If you have unusually large limbs, contractor-generated landscaping material or a large cleanout load, confirm the correct City route first.
Bulky Furniture and Household Trash Do Not Belong at the Recycling Center
No bulky items or general trash at 265 Mast Road
The City’s current Recycling Center page explicitly says no bulky items or trash will be accepted as general Recycling Center drop-off.
Dover’s curbside bag-and-tag system is the relevant route for many large non-metal household items.
Examples of tag-eligible bulky waste
- Furniture
- Toilets
- Mattresses
- Box springs
- Carpet prepared in qualifying lengths
- Couches
- Chairs
- Other large non-metal household items within the City’s weight rule
Each eligible bulky item must have a Dover bulky tag. Construction/demolition debris and hazardous/special/universal waste do not use the bulky-tag route.
Dover Household Hazardous Waste Day — October 17, 2026
2026 event details
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Dover Community Services Garage, 271 Mast Road
Communities: Dover, Madbury, Lee and Rollinsford residents
Businesses: Not accepted
Examples of accepted HHW
- Pesticides and poisons
- Fungicides
- Pool chemicals
- Bathroom and oven cleaners
- Furniture and metal polish
- Acids and corrosives
- Gasoline
- Driveway sealer and roofing tar
- Oil-based and lead paint/stain/finish
- Solvents
- Thinner and turpentine
- Wood preservatives and stripper
Do not bring these to the HHW event
- Explosives
- Asbestos
- Latex paint
- Waste oil
- Antifreeze
- Propane tanks
- Batteries
- Fluorescent bulbs
Why are some hazardous-looking items excluded?
Several have their own normal Dover Recycling Center routes. For example, waste oil, antifreeze, batteries, propane cylinders and fluorescent/CFL bulbs already appear on the City’s regular Recycling Center accepted list.
Check the official 2026 Dover HHW event page.
Dover Curbside Recycling Rules
Dover still uses its weekly bag-and-tag trash system in 2026, with recycling collected curbside through the City’s contractor.
- Set materials curbside by 7 AM on pickup day.
- Do not place materials out earlier than 4 PM the evening before.
- Plastic bottles and metal/tin recyclables cannot be set out in plastic or paper bags.
- Use a recycling container no larger than 22 gallons for those curbside recyclables under the current City guidance.
- Paper can be bundled or placed in a paper bag.
- Cardboard should be broken down, bundled and placed next to the recycling bin.
Future change: July 1, 2027
The City has announced that Dover’s current bag-and-tag curbside system is planned to transition to a toter-based solid-waste and recycling collection system beginning July 1, 2027. That future change does not alter the 2026 Recycling Center rules on this page.
Before You Drive to Mast Road
- Identify the material. Separate normal recycling, electronics, Freon appliances, C&D debris, oil, batteries, propane, yard waste and HHW.
- Check the correct open day. Use Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday unless visiting on one of the published fall Sunday dates.
- Arrive early for C&D. The scale closes 15 minutes before the facility.
- Bring an accepted payment method. Paid drop-offs use checks or credit cards according to the current City page.
- Check your permit/residency documentation. Bring the appropriate Dover identification or Recycling Center permit when applicable.
- Prepare oil exactly as required. Clear one-gallon containers, labeled with name, address and phone.
- Protect lithium batteries. Keep rechargeable lithium batteries out of trash and prevent terminals from shorting.
- Keep refrigerant appliances intact. Do not puncture refrigerator/freezer/AC cooling lines.
- Do not bring household trash or bulky furniture as general drop-off. Use Dover’s curbside tag system where eligible.
- Use the October HHW event only for its listed materials. Several common items such as waste oil, batteries and fluorescent bulbs are intentionally excluded because they have other City routes.
Dover Recycling Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely reason | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| You arrive Monday | Monday is not a regular open day. | Use Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. |
| C&D scale is closed before 3:30 | The scale closes 15 minutes early. | Return earlier on an open day. |
| Furniture is refused | General bulky items are not Recycling Center drop-off. | Use the Dover bulky-tag curbside system if the item qualifies. |
| Electronics require payment | Several devices have item-specific disposal fees. | Check the current fee table before unloading. |
| Large trailer is refused at C&D | Dump trailers over 12 ft box length are prohibited. | Use an alternate construction-debris facility. |
| Waste oil container is refused | Wrong container or missing resident information. | Use clear one-gallon containers with name, address and phone number. |
| Latex paint is refused at HHW day | The 2026 Dover HHW event explicitly excludes latex paint. | Follow Dover’s current latex-paint disposal guidance rather than the HHW event. |
Dover Recycling Center Map
The City facility is located at 265 Mast Road, Dover, NH, next to the broader Community Services complex.
265 and 271 Mast Road serve different functions
The Recycling Center itself is at 265 Mast Road. Dover Community Services/Public Works is at 271 Mast Road, which is also the listed location for the October 17, 2026 Household Hazardous Waste event.
Related Recycling Guides
- Electronic Recycling Center: TV, computer and e-waste preparation
- Appliance Recycling Center: refrigerant and appliance disposal rules
- Household Hazardous Waste Center: chemicals, paint and special waste
- Used Oil Recycling Center: oil storage and contamination rules
- Battery Recycling Center: lithium and rechargeable battery safety
- Tire Recycling Center Near Me: fees, rims and tire rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dover Recycling Center?
The City of Dover, New Hampshire Recycling Center is at 265 Mast Road.
What are Dover Recycling Center hours?
The regular schedule is Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Is Dover Recycling Center open Sunday?
Normally no, but Dover has published extra 2026 Sunday openings on November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and December 6 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Does Dover Recycling Center take household trash?
No. The City explicitly states that no household trash or general bulky items are accepted as Recycling Center drop-off.
How much is construction debris disposal?
Residents currently pay $0.10 per pound with a $5 minimum load charge. Contractors pay $0.15 per pound with a $25 minimum.
How much does Dover charge for a TV?
The current City fee is $10 for TVs up to and including 36 inches and $20 for TVs larger than 36 inches.
How much does Dover charge for a refrigerator?
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers currently have a $20 disposal fee.
Can I recycle a microwave?
Yes. Dover currently lists a $10 disposal fee per microwave.
Does Dover accept used motor oil?
Yes, but residents must use clear one-gallon containers labeled with their name, address and phone number. Staff inspect the containers, and residents may not dump the oil themselves.
Can lithium-ion batteries go in Dover trash?
No. Dover states that lithium-ion rechargeable batteries should not go in trash because of fire and explosion risk. Use the Recycling Center battery route.
Does Dover accept propane tanks?
The current City page lists 1-pound tanks as free and 20-pound tanks at $5. Other sizes are not accepted under the published rule.
Does Dover have free food composting?
Yes. Dover residents can use the Mr. Fox Composting totes at the Recycling Center at no cost whenever the Recycling Center is open.
When is Dover’s 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Day?
Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Dover Community Services Garage, 271 Mast Road.
Can businesses use Dover’s HHW event?
No. The event is for residents of Dover, Madbury, Lee and Rollinsford only.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Dover Recycling Center website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. Use the City of Dover website for final hours, fees, holiday closures and acceptance decisions.
Official Sources Used for Verification
Best Way to Use Dover Recycling Center
Use 265 Mast Road on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM for accepted recycling and special drop-off materials. Arrive earlier with C&D, electronics, Freon appliances or another fee-based load, and remember that the C&D scale closes 15 minutes early.
Do not treat the Recycling Center as a general dump. Use Dover’s curbside bulky-tag system for eligible furniture and mattresses, the normal Recycling Center oil/battery/propane routes for those listed items, and the October 17, 2026 HHW event for qualifying hazardous household chemicals.
Independent information guide: Recycling-Centre.org is not affiliated with the City of Dover or Dover Community Services. Fees, Sunday openings, holiday closures, accepted materials and operational rules can change, so verify a large, paid or unusual load on the official City page before driving.