County Survey Reveals Public Recycling Habits, Attitudes

Big Island Now stock photo. Sept. 2016

The County of Hawai‘i has released the results of a survey on public recycling habits revealing key trends and patterns that may help solve the challenges of recycling and solid waste management on Hawai‘i Island.

“The Solid Waste Division wanted to see how the community viewed recycling, and whether current programs met the expectations of the individuals using the programs,” said County of Hawai‘i Recycling Coordinator George Hayducsko.

Conducted at local transfer stations, the survey found the top items being recycled are HI-5 containers, cardboard, plastics and waste paper. All of these items combined are being recycled at a rate of about 70 percent, according to survey results. The least-recycled items are electronic waste, totalling roughly 21 percent. E-waste can be recycled at various location listed on the County’s zero waste website.

The survey used feedback from 195 participants to gain insight into public attitudes on recycling in Hawai‘i:

• 98 percent of respondents “agree” or “strongly agree” that recycling is important for Hawai‘i;
• 91 percent of respondents “agree” or “strongly agree” that they try to recycle whenever possible;
• 78 percent of respondents “agree” or “strongly agree” that recycling should be mandatory for Hawai‘i.

Recycling and promoting sustainability was shown to be highly valued across all age groups and genders who participated in the survey.