In a recent development regarding Landfill Sustainability, the Environmental Management Commission of Hawai’i County is taking significant strides towards a sustainable future by working on a groundbreaking law aimed at reducing the burden on the island’s sole active landfill. The decision comes as the West Hawai’i Sanitary Landfill edges closer to its 20-year capacity limit, raising concerns about the island’s waste management infrastructure.

According to Ramzi Mansour, the Hawai’i County Director of Environmental Management, the West Hawai’i Sanitary Landfill is projected to reach its capacity within the next 20 to 25 years. This alarming fact highlights the urgency of the situation, especially considering that the Hilo Landfill was permanently closed in 2020, leaving the island with no alternative landfill options.

The proposed ordinance is still in its early stages but serves as a critical catalyst for initiating discussions about diverting recyclable materials away from the landfill. Commission chair Georjean Adams emphasizes that it’s the right time to explore sustainable solutions to reduce the unnecessary disposal of recyclable items, including green waste, plastics, metals, paper, paperboard, and glass, in the landfill, which is located off Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway in Waikoloa.

This initiative aligns with the 2019 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, which prioritizes goals related to climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and zero waste. The proposed legislation would impose reporting requirements on large commercial and governmental organizations. These entities would need to submit annual reports detailing their waste reduction and landfill diversion efforts. The reports must include information on the volume of waste generated, the percentage of designated recyclable waste generated, and the strategies used to reduce landfill-bound waste.

Furthermore, the ordinance would introduce mechanisms to allow licensed small businesses and nonprofits to utilize transfer facilities for recycling, with fees associated. It also seeks to establish a robust system for tracking diversion information and documentation, making it easier to monitor progress on landfill sustainability.

To ensure that the ordinance doesn’t hinder legitimate disposal of recyclable waste in specific cases, it would permit infrequent disposal if the waste generator can demonstrate an active education program and collection services for those contributing to their trash. Additionally, certain types of designated recyclables that are not accepted for recycling, such as hazardous materials, would be exempted.

While the Environmental Management Commission takes the lead in proposing this forward-thinking ordinance, it’s worth noting that the council will also play a role in creating a similar ordinance in the future.

As the proposed ordinance moves through the drafting process, the Environmental Management Commission is eager to engage the public. On September 27, 2023 they will hold their next meeting, providing an opportunity for valuable input and feedback from concerned citizens on the subjects on the agenda.

In the face of a landfill reaching its capacity, Hawai’i County is taking proactive measures to safeguard its environment and promote responsible waste management. This proposed legislation signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the island.