*Integrated Resources & Solid Waste Management Plan Update (with Appendices) - Dec 2009

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4.0 RECYCLING, BIOCONVERSION, AND MARKETS products to consumers. One operator is reported to process as much as 350 cubic yards of green waste per month. Some of the challenges facing such businesses include cost of operation, and lack of public education about the benefits of recycling green waste and using the resulting products. There is a significant existing and potential market for the mulch and compost products generated from such facilities. 4.3.2.4 Metals Recycling In general, metals (ferrous and nonferrous) are recycled and sorted by a County contractor at the Hilo, Kealakehe, and Kea'au recycling and transfer stations. However, there is also a booming scrap metal business in the private sector, spurred on by the current spike in scrap metal prices. Certain contractors have obtained solid waste permits to collect and sort scrap metal at their facilities. The metal is sold to brokers for markets in the mainland and Asia. 4.3.2.5 Tires Multiple haulers collect and bale tires and tire parts for shipment to the West Coast or O'ahu for processing into ground and crumbed materials for use as fuel at the H -Power waste to energy facility. One contractor utilizes the tires to make concrete tire blocks used in decorative walls. The contractor is currently attempting to gain approval from the State of Hawai'i to allow contractors to use the tire blocks as a component in structural walls. 4.3.3 Current Material Markets and Market Development Initiatives Currently the primary markets for various types of recycled materials generated within Hawai'i County include local businesses, and larger manufacturing or recycling facilities in the U.S. Mainland and Asia. The majority of recycled materials generated within the County are either sold to brokers or shipped directly to buyers in the U.S. Mainland and Asia. Only a small percentage of materials are processed and reused locally. As a result, the cost of the County's recycling programs is highly dependent on remote market prices for recycled materials. In the fall of 2008, market prices paid for County recyclables fell by up to 80 percent over a two -month period, which had a profound negative impact on the cost of recycling. On the other hand, during 2007 market prices for most recyclables were well above what was projected when contracts with private recyclers were negotiated. This underscores the financial risk to the County of shipping materials off - island to remote markets, and the potential advantages of developing sustainable local markets for recyclables. Some examples of local and mainland markets are described below. 4.3.3.1 Mulch and Compost Products Local businesses including landscapers, contractors, and public agencies utilize mulch and composted materials produced locally. Residents use compost and mulch in both residential and agricultural applications. It is likely that 100 percent of the materials produced through recycling of green waste can be utilized locally. One local composting business reported that they are selling compost for $3 per cubic yard. The County offers mulch free to residents at the SHSL and the Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station. December 2009 4 -9