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Maui County has been awarded more than $3.6 million in federal funding to establish the first recycling and waste collection center in West Maui, county officials announced Friday.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the county a $3,607,065 Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant. The money will be used to acquire property and develop a center where residents can dispose of recyclables, green waste and bulky items.
The county estimates the center will divert about 1,794 tons of material from landfills and illegal dumping sites each year.
"This collection center will help residents more easily dispose of materials responsibly, reduce illegal dumping and protect our ʻāina," Mayor Richard Bissen said in a news release. "This grant provides an important opportunity to strengthen waste management services in West Maui while supporting the community's ongoing recovery."
The Maui County Department of Environmental Management's Solid Waste Division will lead the project. The county anticipates a three-year timeline from acquiring the property to opening the center.
The facility is expected to provide recycling bins for residents who haul their own materials and host regular "Go Green" events for appliances, tires, electronics and other bulky items.
Plans call for the center to accept a range of materials, including green waste, aluminum cans, glass bottles, cardboard, paper, plastics, scrap metal, electronics, appliances, tires, lead-acid batteries, propane tanks and other large items.
"Establishing a dedicated collection center will provide a more convenient option for residents to properly dispose of materials while helping address illegal dumping and potential environmental hazards in remote areas,"Environmental Management Director Shayne Agawa said.
The location and design of the center have not been announced. The county said more information will be provided as the project progresses.