Maui Launches Wire Hanger Reuse Pilot Project
By Wendy Osher

County of Maui photo: Cecile McMahon, Recycling Program Asst. (left) and Sophia Crisostomo, Student Intern (right).
The County of Maui is partnering with island dry cleaners to launch a Wire Hanger Reuse Pilot Project.
The County’s Recycling Section is overseeing the project, in which customers can turn in unwanted wire hangers for reuse. Participating dry cleaners are provided with hanger recycling boxes, called “hanger valets.” The boxes are available to customers free of charge and can be used to conveniently store wire hangers until they are ready to be taken back to the dry cleaners.
An estimated 3.5 billion wire hangers get dumped in U.S. landfills each year, according to county authorities who cited the Hanger Network. At the same time, dry cleaners across the U.S. import the same amount of hangers from China.
By returning wire hangers to dry cleaners for reuse, county officials say the community can help increase the health of the environment and the island economy.
Hanger Valets are available at the following participating dry cleaners: Ali’i Dry Cleaners, Green Earth Cleaners Maui, Lili Laundry Inc., Lipoa Laundry Center, Majestic Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Maui’s Quality Dry Cleaning, One Hour Martinizing, and Valley Isle Dry Cleaning.
*** Supporting information courtesy County of Maui