Ask The Mayor: Where to Dispose of Hazardous Waste?

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his staff.

Q: How do I dispose of 13 gallons of bad diesel fuel? I don’t want to pour it down the drain or into my yard, but I don’t know what to do with it. Also, where do you get rid of old paint and lawnmowers?

A:  I think this is a good time to remind Maui residents of the county’s annual household hazardous waste collection event on March 24.

This event is by appointment only and the deadline to schedule one is March 15, so I encourage all residents to please call our contractor EnviroServices at (855) 325-3222.

There is no fee for household hazardous waste collected at the event, however, an appointment is required for participation, and the estimated types and quantities of waste must be stated. Additional waste brought to the collection event but not disclosed at the time of the appointment will not be accepted.

Household hazardous wastes that will be accepted include aerosols, antifreeze, car batteries, household batteries, fire extinguishers, fluorescent bulbs and tubes, oil-based paint, old medication, pesticides, propane tanks, solvents and thermometers. Residents are urged to call and ask EnviroServices about other hazardous waste such as contaminated diesel fuel. They should be able to take it, but will need to pack the necessary equipment.

Commercial hazardous waste will not be accepted at this household collection event. However, businesses may call (808) 839-7222 to schedule commercial waste pickup.

Hammerhead Metals Recycling also accepts old lawnmowers but all fluids and fuel must be removed. Please call them for more information and hours at (808) 280-8844.

Residents can dispose of latex paint by the “absorb and trash” method. Use old towels, cat litter or some other absorbent material to absorb the paint, triple bag it and dispose of it with your regular rubbish. It is important to avoid putting liquids into the trash to ensure that they do not cause damage to or leak from collection trucks, or get spilled into dumpsters at the landfill.

Latex paint is not toxic and does not affect the environment negatively when disposed of properly. Unopened cans of paint can be donated to the Habitat For Humanity ReStore, which can be reached at 986-8050.

For more information on recycling, please call the Recycling Hotline at 270-7880 or visit the county’s recycling webpage at www.mauicounty.gov/recycle.

Want to Ask The Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at [email protected], by phone at (808) 270-7855 or via mail to 200 S. High Street, ninth floor, Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.