Mark your calendar now: Hawaiʻi County to host 2 free household hazardous waste collection events

Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management is hosting two free household hazardous waste collection events at the beginning of March.

Both collection events will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as follows:

• March 7: Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park, 67-1315 Ala ʻŌhiʻa Road, Waimea.
• March 8: Pāhoa Recycling and Transfer Station, 15-1870 Cemetery Road, Pāhoa.

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

Acceptable household hazardous waste includes:

• Automotive fluids.
• Used batteries.
• Fluorescent bulbs.
• Pesticides.

Click here for a more complete list of acceptable and unacceptable household hazardous waste and restrictions.

The website also includes other useful information about solid waste diversion and recycling.

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

Business, government agency, nonprofit agency or farm wastes are prohibited by law. Latex paint, electronic waste and tires also will not be accepted.

Rules for household hazardous waste collection events

These rules are for the public’s safety and safety of the staff conducting the events. The county thanks the public for doing its part to keep these events safe for all participants.

• Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.
• Place your waste items in your trunk or truck bed prior to arriving at the event. Make sure your trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If you don’t have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred you place your materials 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 your container.
• Label your waste items — if possible — and make sure your waste items are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else in your trunk or truck bed.
• Consider postponing your participation or designate someone else to drop off your materials if you are feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness.

Contact Hawai’i County Department of Environmental Management Recycling Specialist Chris Chin-Chance at 808-961-8554 or via email at recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov with any questions or additional information.