Hawai‘i County seeks to start program aimed at collecting, washing, reusing takeout containers

Hawai‘i County is seeking proposals from the community for the launch of a new program that aims to reduce waste and save businesses money by collecting, washing and reusing takeout containers.

The selected applicant from the Request for Proposals process will oversee the Hilo Reusable Foodware Program, which will be a community-scale system, is funded by $2.12 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and $600,000 in private foundational support and is done in partnership with Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program, and Perpetual.

“This program serves as a city-scale demonstration that aims to cut waste and save money for local businesses,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By creating a voluntary system for reusing foodware, we are implementing important sustainable practices that can serve both our environment and economy.”

The operator will receive access to reusable foodware inventory and washing equipment, as well as funding for one-time setup and customization of the program’s software and digital infrastructure platform.

County Department of Environmental Management Deputy Director Craig Kawaguchi, who was part of the grant team, emphasized the key role local input played in shaping the program.

“What makes this program special is how it reflects the Hilo community,” Kawaguchi said. “Businesses, schools, and local leaders worked alongside us to design a system that fits Hilo’s unique strengths and needs. We’re now looking for a service operator who will carry that same idea forward and continue to collaborate with our community to build something lasting.”

The deadline to submit a proposal is April 16. Interested applicants can access the full RFP by visiting the County’s Public Purchase website – hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/purchasing – under RFP #4598 – HILO REUSABLE FOODWARE SYSTEM.

Registration is required to view and submit proposals.