Zero Waste

Did you know that Hilo's landfill is subject to closure in 2012? Or that 70% of what is currently generated as solid waste continues to be landfilled? It is this material that will provide resources, revenue, and green jobs required to ensure the island's sustainability. By adopting the goals of Zero Waste, our island can greatly reduce the waste we produce while increasing revenue by creating jobs to manage our overlooked resources.

What is Zero Waste? Zero Waste is a philosophy and lifestyle that aims to reduce, reuse, or recycle all waste, thereby eliminating rubbish. Although it sounds difficult, it is not. There are many states, companies, cities, counties, and countries that are already practicing the goal of Zero Waste. 

Hawai`i, too, has made Zero Waste a goal. In 2007, the Hawai`i County Council passed legislation to adopt the goals of Zero Waste. Richard Anthony Associates, with the help of Recycle Hawai`i, has drafted a Zero Waste Implementation Plan to send to the County of Hawai`i. To read this plan, simply click here.

Find more information on Zero Waste at following links: