County to host free residential hazardous waste collection events

The Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management is once again offering residents the opportunity to conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

Household hazardous waste collection events are planned for Feb. 4 in the West Hawai‘i Civic Center parking lot, with entry via 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, in Kona and Feb. 11 in Waiākea High School parking lot B, with entry via the upper driveway off West Kāwili Street off Po‘okela Parkway, in Hilo. Both events will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Acceptable waste includes automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent bulbs and pesticides, among other items. For a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items, click here. 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, nonprofit and farm waste is prohibited. Latex paint, electronic waste and tires will not be accepted.

For the safety of those bringing waste and staff accepting it, physical distancing rules continue to be in place for the events. The Environmental Management Department asks that everyone kōkua. The rules are as follows:

• Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.
• Prior to arriving, place your hazardous waste items in your trunk or truck bed. Make sure your trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If you don’t have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred that you place your materials in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.
• Because of infection transmission hazard, all 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 disposable container prior to the event.
• To minimize interactions, label your items, if possible, and make sure they are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else in your trunk or truck bed.
• Six-foot physical distancing is required. Facial masks covering nose and mouth are recommended.
• If you are under quarantine, feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness, consider postponing your participation in the event or designate someone else to drop off your materials.