Free Residential Household Hazardous Waste Collections Events Scheduled in August

Residents of the Big Island will have two chances in August to dispose of hazardous household waste.

The county Department of Environmental Management announces that household hazardous waste collection events are scheduled for:

• 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Aug. 6 in Waiākea High School parking lot B in Hilo. Enter via Po‘okela Parkway through the upper driveway off West Kāwili Street.
• 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Aug. 20, in the West Hawai‘i Civic Center parking lot in Kailua-Kona. Enter from 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway.

These regular collection events are hosted by the county at no charge to the public so residents can conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

Hazardous waste that will be accepted at the events include automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and pesticides. For a complete list of acceptable or unacceptable waste, click here. The website also includes other useful information about solid waste diversion and recycling.

The collection events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Businesses, government agencies, nonprofit agencies and farm wastes are prohibited by law. No latex paint, electronic waste or tires will be accepted.

Additionally, physical distancing rules will be in place for the collection events to ensure the safety of staff and residents.

Those who plan to attend the events are asked to remain in their vehicles unless directed by authorized personnel. Prior to arriving, residents should place the hazardous waste items in their trunk or truck bed and make sure their trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. For those who don’t have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred that the materials be placed in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.

Because of COVID-19 infection transmission hazards, all containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. Residents who want to keep their containers should transfer items into a safe disposable container prior to the event.

Other rules include:

• To minimize interactions, label hazardous waste items, if possible, and make sure items are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else.
• 6-foot physical distancing is required. Face masks covering the nose and mouth are recommended.
• Those under quarantine, feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness should consider postponing participation or designate someone else to drop off materials.

For any questions, contact recycling specialist Chris Chin Chance with the Department of Environmental Management at 808-961- 8554 or vial email at [email protected].

“Mahalo for your kōkua in keeping our island a clean and safe paradise,” said a press release from the county.