The Kaua‘i Recycles Residential Drop Bin Program is no longer accepting plastic trays and clamshells, but will continue to accept No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles and jars. Examples of unacceptable plastic are clear hinged plastic food boxes, plastic tubs that contain deli items like poke, and plastic clamshells that contain fruit such as berries.
On a positive note, Kaua‘i Recycles locations can now receive newspaper along with mixed paper, which will increase convenience for recycling these items and open up more space at the drop bin locations.
The decision to restrict plastic recycling is part of an ongoing issue nationwide, as China stopped accepting post-consumer recyclables from other nations starting in January 2018, and the markets for plastic resins have been shifting and becoming more restrictive.
“This is a major issue for all recyclers and municipalities throughout North America, and may have unknown and drastic impacts on programs in the U.S.,” said Lyle Tabata, acting county engineer.
No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles and jars will continue to be accepted at all Kaua‘i Recycles Drop Bins, and HI5 plastic beverage containers – labeled with HI 5 cents, HAWAII 5 cents, and Hawaii 5 cents – will continue to be accepted at all redemption centers.
For more information, please call the County Recycling Office at 241-4841.
Flyer PDF Link- Kauai Recycles Plastic
