HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-13 Information Sheet on Mulch Procedures and Availability at County Facilities -- press release
William A. Kucharski
Harry Kim
Director
Mayor
Diane A. Noda
Wilfred M. Okabe
Deputy Director
Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41 • Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
(808) 961-8083 · Fax (808) 961-8086
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/environmental-management/
NEWS RELEASE
April 13, 2018
Contact: George Hayducsko Recycling Coordinator 961-8270
Fact Sheet about Mulch Procedures and Availability at County Facilities
In order to minimize the spread of invasive species such as insects, weeds and
diseases, the mulch at the East Hawai‘i Organics Facility in Hilo undergoes an
enhancement process.
During the enhancement process, the mulch is spread into windrows for a minimum of
15 days, and reaches the temperature of 130°F, which is high enough to destroy
harmful bacteria, weed seeds and invasive species such as Little Fire Ants , coqui frogs,
‘Ōhi‘a Wilt Fungus (also known as Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death), etc. Mulch is not released to
the public without undergoing the enhancement process at the EHOF.
Mulch at the West Hawai'i Organics Facility does not undergo the same enhancement
process as the mulch at the East Hawai'i facility; the temperature and dry conditions in
West Hawai'i allow the mulch to remain pest-free. Monthly testing of the mulch at the
West Hawai'i Organics Facility has shown no fire ants.
The County’s contractor, Hawaiian Earth Recycling, is responsible for the distribution
and loading of the mulch at both the East and West Hawai'i Organics Facilities. There
is currently no cost for the limited supply of enhanced mulch and no loading fees.
Residential self-load customers are allowed to load an unrestricted amount of mulch at
the self-load pile, as long as supplies last. Commercial customers are not allowed to
self-load mulch.
The supply of mulch is limited at the East Hawai'i facility, and depends on a number of
factors such as the amount of greenwaste dropped off at the County facilities. There is
regularly an abundant supply of mulch available to the public at the West Hawai'i facility.
The public is also encouraged to visit the Kealakehe Mulch Pick-Up Area. There is
currently no cost for the mulch or loading fees. The mulch is available on a first-come-
first-served basis, while supplies last.
Visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org for more information.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.