Recycle WHY??. or why not?

[Tink]

As far as recycling goes, the Mayor and the dumps seem to be in a pinch with the State about excessive white goods stored too long at the dumps. White goods are fridges, washing machines, etc. by definition, so why can' t a deal be made to go through these "2 years or less" throw aways and resale them? Step up on refuse generated methane gas to fuel the buses and garbage trucks, maybe County vehicles. Time to think outside your yard, this island is really one big permaculture project if you think about it. It all starts in your yard.....

Are you a human being, or a human doing?

[Tink]

Oh yeah, the methane is a manufactured by product, and not like steam, a mineral right by State definition. So in effect, the Mayor could take rights on the methane, as it is on County land, and deem its use.

Are you a human being, or a human doing?

[Guest]

Howzit dreamoutloud, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views on this subject. Montana is a really large state for I remember driving all day once and was still in Montana(haha). Your statements about waste in a lifetime hit home, Yes I to wish we had started recycling as a kid.
You said you really enjoyed your visit here and plan to come back, that is wonderful to read. You did hit on the convenience you had for recycling was right at your condo. That is part of my complaint, You see most people are like you and I and would like to make a difference with recycling. Here in Puna which is a very POOR community we have a lot of folks who are either to old to be dealing with the recycling hulu hoops the state has set up currently, OR we have lots of folks who have no vehicle to drive them in themselves so there they sit for a year or two. We also have the folks who ride the bus weekly in hopes to save a dollar, To then have to buy a gallon or two of gas just to haul in those recyclables(All these folks would like to recycle and do their part). You See our state of HAWAII is catering to the tourist to the point that they don't have to be bothered by a recycling inconvenience for more than a minute or two, They don't have to spend a hard earned dollar to store or drive them away either.
Could venture to guess that This little state of Hawaii has more waste, recyclables, and garbage piling up everyday or year than the great state of Montana and it's fine folks. We probably have more big box stores or businesses(Walmart's,Target's) than Montana too, That is where most of our waste is coming from and the state of Hawaii does not care if these businesses recycle or not and that hurts us all. Gas is $4.15 a gallon here with no interstate driving allowed, And we pay .6 cents for every can or bottle we redeem for .5 cents. P.S. It would have been nice or convenient to drop my recyclables off at Walmart last night around 11:30 P.M when I drove in to get cheap diapers and wipe's (My other contribution to the landfills), We do buy most of our recyclables from Walmart so they could take them back.

[lavalava]

Most of the waste is coming from the big box stores? Right, because people that shop at 7-11, KTA, Malama etc. don't ever accumulate trash.

[dreamoutloud]

Hey Gypsy! Thanks for appreciating other peoples views Yes, my parents officially got me addicted to the BI when they took me there 14 years ago. I have been back several times and then this year in January house hunting and really serious about moving. We made a 5 year plan and that is about over now. so almost time! YAY!
I did mean to say more in my previous post about the subject of recycling being easy or difficult.
I assume that the condo made it easy b/c most of those people are old and also b/c generally tourists dont go out of their way to do things like that. It seems they have an attitude of " I dont really care since I dont live here". sadly.
I do not really understand why they do not make it easier to recycle there. it is so vitally important.
I, like you, sometimes get tired of taking the time to seperate things. Its so much easier to throw it all in a bag and call it good.
There is a rumor here that if even one wrong thing goes in a recycle bin they throw the whole bin in the landfill. Not sure if that is true but if so how sad.
I understand being on a major budget and every penny counts. Driving far to recycle could just be out of the question for some. We plan to move to or close to Pahoa so it sounds like we will be in the same boat as you there.
Seems every store there should have a recycle bin. Boy that would be nice. It would much encourage it.
Are there any folks w/a truck that would come around a subdivision on a designated day and pick up recyclables? There is a company that does that here. I think they charge $5 a month but it would be MUCH more profitable there I would think since you dont get anything back here if you recycle and you do there.
Gas is not that much more there than here. It was just $3.93 not too long ago here.
On a total sidenote, have you thought about using cloth diapers? As a mother of 4, I understand how that is a major expense.
They truly are easy to use -if you get the right ones. And boy we have saved thousands of dollars
I would be happy to help you get started if you want
Cheers!

[Tink]

Most retailers seem to frown on recycle centers as they feel they are an " attractive nuisance", in that the super low incomes salvage through them and generally trash the area unless it is a fenced off, pay you money and cube it type operation. I say put a micro recyclers at the Community Centers, or HOA offices to help pay for roads, or for assistance to the fire dept, seniors, residents who's lives suddenly hit the fan. Keep it local! When my Plumbing business had a job retrofitting a hotel, the Christmas party for my crew of 8 was held at a top line Hotel in S.F., all expenses paid by recycling the steel pipe and copper scrap. Imagine the income generated in your neighborhood!

Are you a human being, or a human doing?