Kaua‘i County provides tips, reminders for holiday waste collection

Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division reminds residents to be mindful of their waste habits during the holiday season — a time when the amount of rubbish generated reaches its peak.

Residents are encouraged to follow the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle throughout the holiday season in the spirit of keeping the island clean and beautiful.

• REDUCE: Consider using durable and reusable items during holiday gatherings, such as real dishware, cloth napkins and refillable containers instead of disposable products.
• REUSE: Items still in good condition but no longer needed can be given a second life by donating them to local thrift stores or bringing them to the county’s monthly reuse events. The next Goodwill reuse event is scheduled Dec. 19. Visit the Kaua‘i County website for more information about these events, visit Kauai.gov/reuse.
• RECYCLE: Cardboard boxes from online shopping should be broken down and brought to one of the Kaua‘i Recycles program drop bins. Bin locations can be found on the Public Works website. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts can be brought to the Kaua‘i Resource Center for reuse.

Residents are asked to place their trash carts at the curb the night before their scheduled pickup day to assist curbside refuse collection crews.

Carts should be at least 5 feet away from vehicles, other carts and mailboxes. All trash must be bagged and contained within the cart to prevent windblown litter.

Residents are also reminded to eliminate liquids from their garbage by draining items before bagging and then placing them in the refuse cart.

Avoid overfilling carts to ensure the lid can close completely, helping prevent rainwater from entering during inclement weather.

Overflowing carts or excess rubbish should be taken to the nearest refuse transfer station.

There will be no changes to the regular trash collection schedule during the holidays. If your collection day falls on Thursdays, make sure your cart is out for pickup on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Call 808-241-4841 or visit the Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division website for additional information.