Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions from our customers. If you don’t find what you need here, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, or click below to send us an email.
Absolutely!
However, there are some considerations you should take into account—especially if you have the ability to design your own enclosure area. Factors like the enclosure’s placement on the lot relative to buildings, corners, and parking, as well as its orientation and size can all affect our ability to provide service.
If you give us a call, we would be very happy to point you in the right direction.
Your material needs to fit within the confines of the dumpster, with the lid shut. Containers that have material heaped over the top, or material on the ground, are subject to additional charges. Give us a call if you have a front-load container that might need an extra pickup or a roll-off can that might need to be swapped out before it gets too full for us to transport.
Yes. All drivers go through extensive background checks upon hire. This includes contacting previous employers, pulling Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) annually, and verifying Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse records with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, every driver—regardless of experience—completes a road test and receives comprehensive training, including safety protocols, company policies, and FMCSA regulations upon hire. This thorough onboarding helps ensure our drivers operate safely and professionally.
Yes, we have a dedicated account management team to serve our commercial and municipal customers. Our account managers offer direct communication and individualized service to ensure a smooth experience and provide proactive solutions.
Yes. While we don’t conduct a formal safety audit for each repair, every maintenance action includes a visual safety check to ensure the container or compactor is safe to use. Safety and quality go hand in hand, and we take both seriously.
In short, yes it does.
Front load dumpsters (commercial containers) need to be placed on a hard, flat surface, in an area free of low-hanging wires, tree limbs, etc. that can get in the way of emptying the container. A minimum of 20 feet of overhead clearance is generally acceptable. In addition, there needs to be significant space for the truck to maneuver for service. If you’re unsure whether your desired location will work, give us a call!
Roll Off (open-top) Containers containers also need clearance for delivery and removal, and should be free of low-hanging wires and tree limbs. In addition, these containers should not be placed on soft ground, over septic systems, irrigation systems, or other underground plumbing. You’ll also want to consult with us if your driveway has a slant or slope to it. Your desired location may work well, but it’s good to make sure beforehand. An empty container may sit perfectly fine, but the added weight from the debris could cause it to slide. Our friendly drivers have extensive experience placing these containers, so you should always feel free to bring up any lingering concerns directly with them when they show up for delivery.
Our customer service team is staffed with knowledgeable representatives available throughout the day to assist you. Anywhere from 3-10 staff members are available during all hours of operation. While standard operating hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:00pm, team members are often available beyond these hours (especially via email for existing customers) to accommodate urgent requests and ensure flexibility.
Before delivery to the customer, every container goes through a detailed inspection and refurbishment process. This includes fresh paint, new stickers, lock bars, lids, and anything else that may need attention. During service, any issues spotted by our drivers are reported immediately through our routing software, documented with photos and descriptions. Common repairs, like door, lid, or lock bar replacements are done on-site. Larger fixes may involve swapping the container for one in good condition.
After all, our name is on the front and we always want to look our best!
Our trucks are equipped with mounted tablets and GPS systems that allow real-time communication and tracking. This helps us optimize routes, adjust on the fly, and monitor performance to ensure timely, safe, and efficient service.
The answer depends on the dumpster you have. Please note that permanent/front-load containers are for “municipal solid waste” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipal_solid_waste—commonly known as garbage, trash, or rubbish—only. This type of waste is non-bulky and refers to the everyday items that come out of your home, office, shop, or restaurant. In other words, it’s not construction or demolition material. “C&D” should rather be disposed of in one of our open-top roll-off containers.
Additionally, there are a number of items and substances that due to environmental and safety concerns we cannot accept in any container type we offer:
- Liquids (especially paint, cleaning supplies, oil, flammable liquids, etc.)
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) for more, see here: https://www.des.nh.gov/waste/household-hazardous-waste
- Fluorescent bulbs more here: https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/fluor-lighting-recycle-disposal.pdf
- Batteries more here: https://www.des.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog/batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries (these are particularly susceptible to causing fires) more here: https://www.des.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog/new-rechargeable-battery-disposal-ban-take-effect
- Items containing mercury more here: https://www.des.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog/mercury-added-products
- Asbestos materials more here: https://www.des.nh.gov/waste/asbestos/management and https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/ard-59.pdf
- Hazardous materials
- Oversize tires (e.g. the size you may find on a farm tractor, or other equipement)
- Rubber continuous tracks (e.g. snowmobile, excavator, skid-steer tracks)
Because of the extra precautions we have to take in order to properly dispose of them, there may be an extra charge for the following items in a roll-off/construction style container. These following items should not be put in temporary/front-load containers.
- Standard tires
- Tractor trailer tires
- Empty propane tanks
- Video display devices (TVs, monitors, etc.)
- Refrigerators
- Air conditioners
- Mattresses
- Box springs
At Zero Waste & Recycling Services Inc., missed pickups are few and far between. However, there are extenuating circumstances that may prevent a dumpster from being serviced at a specific time or on a scheduled day. This is exactly why Zero Waste has a surplus of trucks and drivers readily available to pick up the slack, ensuring that any service disruption is addressed promptly and efficiently.
Zero Waste is a safety and quality-conscious organization that maintains and values its reputation in the industry and community. We depend on our employees to help us maintain this reputation by performing their duties in a safe, workmanlike manner, with courtesy and honesty to fellow employees, our customers, and our neighbors alike. A dedicated safety manager promotes best practices and oversees workplace safety, ensuring that all safety standards are met. We continuously improve our safety standards through regularly scheduled monthly meetings, internal conversations, and random check-ins.
We’re proud of our strong safety performance and our vehicle/driver safety statistics. As of August 2025, our vehicle Out of Service rate was 0.0%, compared to the national average of 22.26%. To see the most current numbers yourself, use the FMCSA’s SAFER website, and our USDOT number: 835233.
Zero Waste & Recycling Services Inc. operates a modern fleet with an average vehicle age of just 3 years, ensuring reliable and efficient service. The company maintains a full team of skilled mechanics and operates a state-of-the-art service facility to perform regular preventative maintenance and necessary repairs. This in-house capability allows us to keep our equipment in top condition, minimize downtime, and respond quickly to any service needs.
Choosing the right container size (and shape) for your waste needs depends on several factors—including the type of waste you are producing, as well as the volume. To get started, check out our Container Dimensions page to get an idea of the size of each dumpster. If that doesn’t help, or you just want to learn more, please reach out to our experienced staff, and we will be glad to help you determine an appropriate container size and service schedule.
Zero Waste services the following municipalities:
Belknap County
Alton, Barnstead, Belmont, Center Barnstead, Gilford, Gilmanton, Laconia, Meredith, New Hampton, Sanbornton. Tilton
Carroll County
Chocorua. Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Tamworth, West Ossipee
Grafton County
Ashland, Bristol, Campton, Enfield, Hanover, Lebanon, Plymouth, Thornton, West Lebanon
Hillsborough County
Amherst, Bedford, Goffstown, Hudson, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, Weare
Merrimack County
Allenstown, Boscawen, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Concord, Contoocook, Dunbarton, Epsom, Franklin, Henniker, Hooksett, Hopkinton, Loudon, Newbury, New London, Pembroke, Penacook, Pittsfield, Warner
Rockingham County
Auburn, Brentwood, Candia, Deerfield, Derry, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Hampton, Hooksett, Londonderry, Newfields, Newington, North Hampton, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rye, Salem, Seabrook, Stratham, Windham
Strafford County
Allenstown, Barrington, Dover, Durham, Farmington, Lee, Madbury, New Durham, Northwood, Rochester, Somersworth, Strafford
Sullivan County
Claremont, Grantham, Newport, Springfield, Sunapee
We take pride in responding to calls and emails promptly. As a locally owned and operated company, our team is personally invested in making sure your needs are met quickly and efficiently.