Hawaiʻi County to host free household hazardous waste collection events

Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management is hosting free household hazardous waste collection events during the first part of February.

Collection events are planned for 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the following dates and at these locations:

• Feb. 7: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot (entry via Piʻilani Street only), Hilo.
• Feb. 14: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center parking lot (entry via Ane Keohokālole Highway), Kailua-Kona.

The county hosts these regular collection events so residents can conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

Acceptable household hazardous waste includes:

• Certain types of automotive fluids.
• Used batteries.
• Fluorescent bulbs.
• Pesticides.

These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only.

Waste from businesses, government agencies, nonprofits and farms is prohibited. Latex paint, electronic waste and tires also will not be accepted.

Rules for household hazardous waste collection events

These rules are for the safety of those bringing waste and staff conducting collection events:

• Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.
• Place waste items in the trunk or truck bed prior to arriving. Make sure the trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If you don’t have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred materials are placed in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.
• All containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. Transfer the material into a safe, leak-proof disposable container prior to the event if you want to keep the container.
• Label household hazardous waste items — if possible — and make sure items are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else.
• Consider postponing participation in the event or designate someone else to drop off waste materials if you are feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness.

Visit the Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management Waste Division and Recycling Division website for a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable household hazardous wast and restrictions. The website also includes other useful information about solid waste diversion and recycling.

Contact Department of Environmental Management Recycling Specialist Chris Chin-Chance at 808-961-8554 or via email at recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov with any questions about the household hazardous waste collection events.