Hawaii Organics Compost opens green waste recycling facility

Hawaii Organics Compost LLC (HOC) opened a green waste and clean wood pallet recycling facility Sept. 2.

Based in Waikapu, Hawaii, the site will recycle valuable organic resources back into the community. HOC says it’s the largest operation of its kind on Maui.

“This is a win-win solution for Maui residents, local businesses and the environment,” HOC Manager Jenny Sullivan says. “We’re committed to keeping green waste and wood pallets out of the landfill, turning them into landscape, agricultural and construction materials for the island.”

Residents can drop off the following materials at the facility: tree trimmings, unpainted and untreated lumber pallets, leaves or branches, logs or tree stumps, garden clippings, roots without soil or rocks and sod without dirt. HOC says large container bins will be available and can be filled at residential and worksites. HOC’s crews or partners will pick them up and bring them to the facility.

The full list of materials not allowed is available on HOC’s website.

HOC says it offers recycled products along with eco-friendly pickup and delivery options for residential and commercial customers. The permitted facility is designed to receive and process commercial and residential green waste in addition to commercial clean wood pallets. 

The site features an extensive screening system to prevent receiving and processing anything that contains hazardous or undesirable materials. HOC says it will only accept source-separated items, no mixed loads will be allowed.

HOC says its facility will provide a cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternative to landfilling green waste and clean wood pallets. According to the firm, for several years much of the green waste generated on the island has been received and processed and landfilled by Maui County.

As Hawaii moves toward the state mandate of 100 percent renewable electricity production by 2045, HOC says its facility will provide Maui with another means of resource independence, supporting energy security, economic stability and environmental sustainability.

Accepted materials will be processed on-island into compost, topsoil, mulch, sustainable firewood, erosion control products and other custom blends for purchase on-site. HOC says bags of compost also will be available along with delivery for large orders.

“Recycling is defined as the process of converting waste materials into reusable objects to prevent waste of potentially useful materials,” Sullivan says. “The goal of HOC is to make products that are not only useful, but also helpful to our island.  We turn green waste into rich, sustainable soil products that help your garden thrive while keeping our islands clean and green. Whether you're a home gardener, landscaper enthusiast or business, we make it easy to compost, grow and give back to the land.”