SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Hawaii County expressed hopes of securing a federal grant to build on its recycling efforts.

A recent survey had pointed at inadequate number of recycling facilities and collection networks, insufficient end markets for recyclables and acute shortage of recycling staff. Moreover, the survey had highlighted the need for stronger policy actions to ensure responsible recycling of various materials. Incidentally, Hawaii County diverts only around one-fifth of its waste from landfills. Moreover, the Puuanahulu landfill has an estimated remaining life of only around 15 to 20 years.

A working group has been formed, comprising representatives from Zero Waste Hawaii Island, the county Department of Environmental Management and expert community members to look into the findings of the survey. As a next step, the County plans to hire a grant write and a facilitator, so as to go ahead with the application process.

The County has been struggling to find enough money to provide recycling services to its residents. It is very important that the County manages to secure grants to ensure continuation of the recycling programmes. It must be noted that the solid waste and recycling budget of the County is only 4% of the total general fund budget.

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