First Molokai Metal Recycling Event Since Facility Closure 11 Months Ago

By Wendy Osher

A first of its kind metal recycling event begins today (Tuesday, November 16, 2010) on the island of Molokai, 11 months after the island’s facility closure. A $200,625 contract for the three-week metal recycling event was awarded to Kitagawa Towing & Metal Recycling and includes collection of metal and related material through December 11, 2010.

Metal recycling operations on Molokai stopped in December of 2009 after the island’s facility reached its permitted storage capacity. The closure was in accordance with permitting requirements from the State Department of Health.

Metal recycling will be available during the designated period only, Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A second collection event is expected to take place in the Spring of 2011.

Metals and related materials will be collected, processed and recycled, including junk and abandoned vehicles, motorcycles, appliances, propane tanks, vehicle tires and batteries, ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals, and miscellaneous metal items such as roofing, gutters, tubs, sinks, faucets, pipes, metal furniture, bicycles, mowers, engine parts, tools, fencing.

The public is asked separate the metal items from other recyclables and waste materials; stop at the landfill scalehouse; then proceed to MMF; wait to be checked in by the MMF staff and sign for the items delivered. All items must be delivered directly to the MMF staff. These materials may not be dropped off at the scalehouse, recycling center, or landfill face. Vehicle owners must complete and file a Vehicle Junking form with the Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing (DMVL) office, and complete and submit a Vehicle Acceptance form at the MMF to scrap a vehicle.

Similar to the landfill procedures, materials from residents homes (non-commercial sources) will be accepted by the MMF at no charge to residents. All materials from commercial sources, such as businesses, agencies, and organizations, will be charged a fee as determined by the MMF contractor.

The Molokai Metals Facility is located within the Molokai-Naiwa Landfill, off Maunaloa Highway between mile markers 3 & 4.

Community Work Day Program (CWD) will be on Molokai from November 30 to December 11, 2010 clearing metal-related dumpsites around the island. CWD will also be assisting elderly and disabled residents in getting their items to the MMF for recycling. Please call CWD to report areas containing dumped items, or to request assistance, at (808) 877-2524.

For more information, call 270-6102; callers on Molokai may dial toll-free: 1-800- 272-0117 and request extension 6102.

(If you enjoyed this post, you might want to check out our story on Applications being accepted for Maui County Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees)