Composting: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do composting rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu County mandates food waste recycling under ROH Sec. 42-3.5, with Ordinance 23-30 adding curbside food scrap collection island-wide by April 1, 2025 through the G.R.O.W. Program.
View full Honolulu rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu implements ROH Sec. 42-3.5 food waste recycling, with Ordinance 23-30 rolling out G.R.O.W. curbside collection by April 1, 2025 and mandatory diversion for Waikiki and Ala Moana food establishments.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | ROH Sec. 42-3.5 | ROH Sec. 42-3.5 |
| Ordinance | Ord. 23-30 (Bill 47) | Ord. 23-30 (Bill 47) |
| Program | G.R.O.W. curbside | G.R.O.W. curbside |
| Start date | April 1, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
| Commercial mandate | Yes for food establishments | - |
| Hotel mandate | - | Yes in Waikiki |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Do I have to separate food scraps in Honolulu County?
Yes, as the G.R.O.W. Program rolls out island-wide. Commercial food establishments must already divert food waste under Ordinance 23-30 and ROH Sec. 42-3.5.
Can I still backyard compost?
Yes. Home composting on private property remains unregulated and is encouraged as an alternative to curbside diversion across Oahu.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Do Waikiki hotels have to compost food waste?
Yes. Commercial food establishments must divert food waste under Ordinance 23-30 and ROH Sec. 42-3.5. Hotels contract with haulers for compost-bound collection.
Can condo residents backyard compost?
High-rise residents rely on building service and G.R.O.W. curbside collection. Single-family and townhouse residents may backyard compost on private property without restrictions.
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