School recycling bins halted over lower use, rising costs

Question: Which schools have recycling bins for newspapers, glass and plastic bottles? Last month several were closed. Are there any left on Oahu?

Answer: No.

There used to be a link to bin locations on the city Department of Environmental Services’ website, opala.org.

However, about three weeks ago Honolulu Recovery Systems, which took over management of this recycling program from the city two years ago, removed all remaining bins from the schools, said Markus Owens, spokesman for Environmental Services.

Residents are now directed to drop off mixed recyclables at one of the HI-5 redemption centers around the island that are accepting other recyclables, in addition to deposit beverage containers.

These "HI-5 Plus — One-Stop Recycling Centers" are listed on the city’s website: www.opala.org/solid_waste/HI5_plus.html.

In the heyday of the community recycling bins, the city had more than 100 locations, Owens said.

"But with the implementation of islandwide curbside recycling, this program saw a greater than 75 percent reduction in recovered materials from these bins," he said. "Significant reductions in bin use led to higher hauling and processing costs, to the point where the program became too costly to maintain."

In 2012 the program was shifted to Honolulu Recovery Systems.

By October of that year, the number of bins was down to 35, with many schools opting out because of diminishing returns and maintenance problems.

Honolulu Recovery Systems told Kokua Line it would continue to offer the program as long as it could break even on costs, which was not happening. (See bit.ly/1fR4B2V and bit.ly/1shsjad.)

Because of reduced bin use and rising costs, Owens said the company decided to discontinue the program altogether.

Recycling Sites

In addition to HI-5 deposit containers, these companies will accept other materials:

» RRR Recycling Services Hawaii will accept nondeposit glass containers (wine, spirits, food jars, etc., metal cans, plastics with No. 1 and No. 2 codes), newspapers, white office paper, colored office paper and e-waste at its permanent locations (not mobile locations). Check the company website or call 682-5600.

» Reynolds Recycling accepts nondeposit containers and nonferrous scrap metals and stainless steel at most locations. At its Hauula location only, it will also accept metal cans, No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, newspapers, white office paper, colored office paper and corrugated cardboard. Check the company website or call 487-2802.

» Island Recycling accepts nonferrous scrap metals, ferrous scrap metal, automobile batteries, e-waste and "white goods" (appliances) without freon at three locations. At its Campbell Industrial Park location only, it accepts steel cans, newspapers, white and colored office paper, corrugated cardboard, nonferrous scrap metals, ferrous scrap metals, auto batteries, e-waste, "white goods" without freon and "junk autos." Check the company website or call 682-9200.

» Honolulu Recovery Systems will accept corrugated cardboard only at two locations: Sand Island and Kalihi (small quantities only). Check the company website or call 841-3179 (Sand Island) or 842-3602 (Kalihi).

The city advises calling the companies first to confirm what materials are accepted at each location because the list of accepted materials may change without notice.

Mahalo

To the Mayor’s Office for promptly responding to my letter regarding bicyclists and skateboarders who use the sidewalks along the Ala Wai Canal as their roadways. Mahalo also to HPD, whose Third Watch commander called to assure me of their diligence in citing violators — 22 people on the day he called. — Grateful Pedestrian

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Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.

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ON VACATION: Kokua Line will return May 22.