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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />William A. Kucharski <br />Harry Kim <br />Director <br />Mayor <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Diane A. Noda <br />Wilfred M. Okabe <br />Deputy Director <br /> <br />Managing Director <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />County of Hawai‘i <br /> <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br />345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41 • Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 <br /> (808) 961-8083 · Fax (808) 961-8086 <br />http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/environmental-management/ <br /> <br />September 29, 2017 <br /> <br />NEWS RELEASE <br /> <br /> <br />County Survey Provides Insight on Public Recycling Habits, Perceptions <br /> <br />Living on the Big Island offers many benefits such as diverse climates, rich cultures, and <br />unmatched views. However, Hawai‘i County as an island with finite space poses major solid <br />waste management and recycling challenges. <br /> <br />With the help from the County of Hawai‘i recycling staff, County intern Taylor Reid uncovered <br />some key trends and patterns that could lead to solving the unique recycling and solide waste <br />management problems facing the Big Island. Reid conducted a survey at the County’s Refuse <br />Transfer Stations, to which 195 people responded. <br /> <br /> The survey found that the top items recycled on the island were HI-5 containers, <br />cardboard, plastics, and waste paper, where all were being recycled at a rate of roughly <br />70%. It found that the least-recycled category was electronic waste at 21%, which can <br />be recycled at various locations listed on our website: <br />www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste <br /> 98% of respondents “agree” or “strongly agree” that recycling is important for Hawai‘i. <br /> 91% of respondents “agree” or “strongly agree” that they try and recycle whenever <br />possible. <br /> 78% of respondents “agree” or “strongly agree” that recycling should be mandatory for <br />Hawai‘i. <br /> The survey also revealed that only 18% of transfer station users have visited <br />www.hawaiizerowaste.org, a website dedicated in answering questions and providing <br />information to the County regarding recycling. <br /> <br />Recycling and promoting sustainability is highly-regarded among all age groups and genders <br />surveyed. <br /> <br />County of Hawai‘i Recycling Coordinator George Hayducsko said: “The Solid Waste Division <br />wanted to see how the community viewed recycling, and whether current programs met the <br />expectations of the individuals using the programs. Taylor’s data will be useful to us in <br />improving our program in the future.” <br /> <br />County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br /> <br />