Oahu Hawaii Reports Lower Recycling Rate

Date: February 4, 2008

Source: News Room

The island of Oahu Hawaii reported that its recycling rate for 2006 fell to 31 percent from 41 percent in 2005 and 35 percent in 2004. The island generated about 1.8 million tons last year of which just over 500 thousand tons were diverted through recycling and reuse programs. Officials are uncertain about the cause but speculate that a larger proportion of construction and demolition wastes would result in a lower recycling rate since these streams are more difficult to recycle. Last month, the island announced plans to expand its waste-to-energy plant and to ship more waste to the mainland in order to preserve space at its Waimanalo Gulch landfill which is needed over the long term to dispose of incinerator ash from the plant.

To learn more, visit:
Hawaii State Department of Health
Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch
www.hawaii.gov/health/environmental/waste/index.html

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