Illegal Dumping, Low Use Prompt Closure of Waiehu Recycling Center

Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Recycling Center at the corner of the Kahekili Highway and Makaʻala Drive in Waiehu will close on Monday, April 7, 2014, due to illegal dumping and infrequent use, county officials announced today.

“The Waiehu dropbox has historically been under-utilized, and despite regular monitoring the site has been the victim of frequent dumping of items such as animal carcasses, used motor oil, batteries and appliances,” said Maui Department of Environmental Management Director Kyle Ginoza in a department press release.

“These materials contaminate the environment when not properly disposed of or recycled, and cost tax dollars to clean up.  It makes sense, both economically and environmentally, to ask the public to utilize one of the several other recycling centers in Central Maui,” said Ginoza.

Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Alternate sites located less than three miles from Waiehu that remain open for use include:

• Kahului Recycling & Redemption Center: located on Wahine Pio behind the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Campus.  The dropbox is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and the HI-5 redemption center is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (808) 871-8544.
• Maui Disposal’s Recycling & Redemption Center: located on Kanoa Street is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed between 12 and 12:30 p.m. for lunch.  (808) 242-7999.
• Aloha Recycling’s Recycling & Redemption Center, at 75 Amala Place: open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (808) 871-8544.

A temporary banner has been posted at the Waiehu site to notify the public of the planned closure.

County officials say a permanent sign will be posted to inform users of where to take material in the future.

At the site today, a pile of buckets sat next to a disposal bin for plastic bottles, and a broken mirror was laying against a bin for glass bottles and jars.

According to signage posted at the facility, the fine for illegal dumping ranges from $100 to $1,000 depending on the offense.

There is also a sign that advises the public of proper guidelines for disposal.  Items that are not accepted at County Recycling Centers include: residential appliances, yard trimmings, scrap metals, bulky items, construction and demolition debris, electronics, and residential refuse.

Dumping at Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

Dumping at Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Waiehu Recycling Center. Photo by Wendy Osher.