Hawaiʻi County to host free household hazardous waste collection events

Hawai‘i County scheduled free household hazardous waste collection events between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the following dates and at these locations:

• Aug. 8: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot, 323 Manono St., Hilo (entry via Pi‘ilani Street).
• Aug. 15: West Hawai‘i Civic Center parking lot, 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Kailua-Kona.

Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management hosts these regular collection events at no charge to the public, allowing households to conveniently dispose of acceptable waste in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

Acceptable household hazardous waste includes:

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

Latex paint, electronic waste and tires will not be accepted.

Click here for a more complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items and other restrictions. The website also includes useful information about solid waste diversion and recycling.

These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Business, government, nonprofit and farm wastes are prohibited by law.

Rules for household hazardous waste collection events

These rules are for the safety of the public and county staff conducting these events.

• Remain in your vehicle unless otherwise 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.
• Containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. If you want to keep your container, transfer the material into a safe, leak-proof disposable container prior to the event.
• 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.
• If you are feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness, consider postponing your participation or designate someone else to drop off your materials.

The county asks the public to kōkua and thanks those who attend the events for doing their part to keep everyone safe.

Contact Hawai‘i County County Department of Environmental Management Recycling Specialist Chris Chin-Chance at 808-961-8554 or via email at recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov.