Hilo, Hawaiʻi – The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced two upcoming free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events in early August, providing residents with a safe and convenient way to dispose of specific hazardous materials.
These regular collection events are offered at no charge to the public, aiming to protect both public health and the environment by ensuring proper disposal of household-generated hazardous waste.
Collection Event Dates and Locations (7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.):
- Saturday, August 2, 2025:
- Location: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Parking Lot (entry via 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Kailua-Kona)
- Saturday, August 9, 2025:
- Location: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot (entry via Piʻilani Street, Hilo)
Acceptable household hazardous waste includes common items like automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and pesticides. For a more complete list of acceptable or unacceptable HHW and any restrictions, residents are encouraged to visit the Hawaiʻi Zero Waste website at https://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/. The website also offers other useful information on solid waste diversion and recycling.
Important Restrictions: These events are exclusively for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Waste from businesses, government agencies, non-profit agencies, or farms is prohibited by law. Additionally, latex paint, electronic waste, and tires will NOT be accepted at these collection events.
Rules for Participation (for the safety of participants and staff):
- Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.
- Before arriving, place your HHW items in your trunk or truck bed. Ensure your trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If no trunk/truck bed, materials should preferably be placed in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.
- All containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. If you wish to keep your container, transfer the material into a safe, leak-proof disposable container prior to the event.
- Please label your HHW items (if possible) and make sure they are easily distinguishable and separate from other items in your vehicle.
- If you are feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness, please consider postponing your participation or designating someone else to drop off your materials.
For any questions regarding these collection events, please contact Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist with the Department of Environmental Management, at (808) 961-8554, or email recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov.