We often hear the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” in conversations about sustainability whether in the news, on the radio, or during community clean-up efforts. The 3 Rs are an important part of keeping our community thriving, preventing recyclable rubbish from piling up in storm drains and contributing to the further pollution of our environment. However, have you ever wondered what happens to the materials we recycle? While we focus on the importance of recycling, we rarely see where our recyclables end up.
Once collected – either through curbside pickup or at a local recycling center – recyclable items are sent to Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across the island. These facilities sort, organize, and prepare materials for further processing.
After sorting, recyclables go through a process called “baling,” which compacts them for transport to secondary processing centers. However, due to economic and spatial constraints, Hawaiʻi lacks traditional recycling plants that convert waste into new products. We rely on secondary processing centers on the continental U.S. and abroad instead.
Recyclables are packed into shipping containers and sent off to places like California, China, Taiwan, and more. Depending on the material, they are further processed and ultimately repurposed into new products.
Learn more about recycling facilities and recycling in Hawaiʻi at https://portal.ehawaii.gov/residents/recycling-and-waste/.
Sources: Honolulu Disposal Service, State of Hawaiʻi
