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A business waste reduction plan not only has a beneficial environmental effect, it can also be an integral waste management practice that can actually save money. Many large businesses are developing internal "Green Teams" that provides employees, staff, and managers the opportunity to discuss creative solutions that are workable for everyone, including customers. Once a Green Team is coordinated, the team can then assess and evaluate the waste stream. A waste stream evaluation identifies composition, quantity, and percentages of different materials. The more time spent analyzing the waste stream, the more information there is to create a detailed plan to address reduction, reuse and recycling of materials.

Education and training are key components to the success of a plan. The early and continued participation of employees, managers and even customers ensures the development of a solid working plan that can be easily implemented into the daily job duties of everyone involved. Seek out ideas and when possible, provide incentive that will motivate and keep interest.

Once the plan for waste reduction and diversion is completed, implement the initial steps. Once these early tasks have been in practice for a few weeks, a time for open discussion can occur to assess and evaluate what is working well and what needs some adjustment. It is best to take a few easy steps first. Implement tasks that are simple and trains everyone in the practice of thinking critically about waste reduction and diversion. In a later phase, more complex tasks can be undertaken. Continually monitor, provide support and request feedback to properly plan and measure success.

State of Hawai‘i Department of Health, Solid & Hazardous Waste Branch - Pollution Prevention & Waste Minimization Program

For more information on the proper disposal of potentially hazardous materials generated by businesses & farms, pollution prevention measures and the Hawai‘i Green Business Program please click on this link.  For a listing of hazardous materials haulers & recyclers click on this link.

Unwanted Pesticide Collection for Farmers, Landscapers & Businesses

Farmers & Businesses may properly dispose of unwanted or unused pesticides and herbicides via the annual State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Pesticide Program Collection.  Quantities of materials accepted for disposal at no-charge are limited (up to 200 lbs.) and the scheduled collection is in fall of 2009 and will be conducted by EnviroServices and Training Center (ETC).  Check back for more information on upcoming future events and deadlines for pre-registration.  For more information on pesticide regulation and safety please contact the Department of Agriculture Hawai‘i Island Branch at 974-4142 or visit their website.

County of Hawai‘i: Landfill Diversion Incentive Program

By recycling waste instead of landfilling, the disposal fee of $85 per ton is avoided. To further encourage recycling and waste diversion the County offers economic incentives to recyclers, businesses and/or haulers. Minimum of 2 tons of solid waste annually. Proposals may be submitted at next RFP (dated to be determined). A list of current participants is available in the handout available below.

  • Atlas Recycling - paper, plastic, glass
  • Business Services Hawaii - paper, plastic, glass and mixed recycling
  • Recycle Hawai`i - latex paint
  • Puna Kamali‘i Flowers - newspaper
  • Club Shoyu - glass
  • Pacific Biodiesel - FOGs

Please contact our Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942 or email lpeters@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Resources:

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Summary of County of Hawai‘i Landfill Diversion Program (PDF)19.03 KB