Recycle Hawai‘i to Hold Q&A on Sept. 17

ALWAYS rinse recyclables and remove caps/lids. NEVER bag recyclables. PC: Recycle Hawai‘i

“What’s Up with Waste?” will be held at Hilo Public Library on Tuesday Sept. 17, 2019, from 5 to 6 p.m. with Recycle Hawai‘i Board Director Danielle Burger. Recycle Hawai’i is a local nonprofit focusing on outreach and education to reduce waste on Hawai’i Island.

The average American adult throws away an average 4.5 lbs per day, according to an Aug. 30, 2019, press release issued by Recycle Hawai‘i. That amount is double the amount of waste we created 30 years ago, and most potential recyclables end up filling the bin.

Now in 2019, South Hilo Sanitary Landfill is filled and shutting down. What used to be recycled is being turned away. How 64,000 Hawai’i Island households handle their own waste will shape the island and the ocean.

In partnership with Hilo Public Library, Recycle Hawai’i will answer questions such as, “Why can’t I recycle that?” “Is it better to get a bottle or a can?” “Where does this go?”

Use multiple bins to sort recyclables at home. PC: Recycle Hawai‘i

Burger believes in the power of people.

“As consumers, we can make a difference in the amount of waste we purchase, use and dispose,” said Burger.

With market fluctuations, recycling requirements change faster than product packaging. As of November 2018, Hawai’i County no longer accepts #5 plastic. Plastic is recyclable in the mixed bin if it satisfies two conditions: it must be a bottle, jug, or jar and have the resin code (the number in the triangle on the bottom of the item) #1 or #2. The mixed bin at Hawai’i County transfer stations also accepts clean, unsoiled paper, newspaper, magazines, paperboard and cardboard, as well as small metal cans and caps. Glass has it’s own separate receptacle. HI-5 beverage containers can be redeemed for 5 cents on certain days at Hawai‘i County transfer stations or at a collector like Atlas. HI-5 items  list states that redeem these containers (often found near the barcode).

Recycle Hawai’i provides answers to frequently asked questions by email (info@recyclehawaii.org) and on Facebook and Instagram, @RecycleHawaii. By holding an informative forum, Recycle Hawai’i hopes to expand the conversation, clarify changes in Hawai’i County Recycling, and inspire positive action to reduce municipal household waste.

Recycle Hawai’i does not collect, bale, or sell recyclables.

For specific questions, email info@recyclehawaii.org or message @RecycleHawaii on Facebook or Instagram.