07-08-2006, 06:36 AM
Sorry, to double post, but Keaau transfer had intended to send electronics to be recycled mainland, Matson had a container there for the loading. It was stopped because Dept. of Ag. found snails in the container, & it couldn't be shipped.
The problem with recycleing here is that you have to have a market for the recycled product AND a manufacturer willing to put up the upfront costs locally, or be able to economically ship the material to a place that can recycle. Add into the mix the fact that many people do not maintain their recycleables in 'reuse condition'. It is far easier and cheaper to recyle a clean 'pure' material stream than to have to sort out foriegn materials. Then add the fact that anything shipped off island has to be free from invasive pests, and you get an idea why there is not more recycle options offered.
One thing to look at is, can you utilize any of your waste stream at home? Paperboard can be added to your compost pile as the 'dry brown waste' that is needed (equal parts green & brown). Your cereal box today can be your soil next season. Get a worm bin for your kitchen scraps (The "tea" from this soil is incredible, see Piper, the worm lady, for more info:
http://www.hawaiirainbowworms.com/index.html
Aloha, Carey
The problem with recycleing here is that you have to have a market for the recycled product AND a manufacturer willing to put up the upfront costs locally, or be able to economically ship the material to a place that can recycle. Add into the mix the fact that many people do not maintain their recycleables in 'reuse condition'. It is far easier and cheaper to recyle a clean 'pure' material stream than to have to sort out foriegn materials. Then add the fact that anything shipped off island has to be free from invasive pests, and you get an idea why there is not more recycle options offered.
One thing to look at is, can you utilize any of your waste stream at home? Paperboard can be added to your compost pile as the 'dry brown waste' that is needed (equal parts green & brown). Your cereal box today can be your soil next season. Get a worm bin for your kitchen scraps (The "tea" from this soil is incredible, see Piper, the worm lady, for more info:
http://www.hawaiirainbowworms.com/index.html
Aloha, Carey