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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Composting

Kapolei vs Pearl City

How do composting rules compare between Kapolei, HI and Pearl City, HI?

Kapolei and Pearl City have similar restriction levels.

Kapolei, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

Kapolei households and food businesses follow ROH Sec. 42-3.5 food waste recycling, including the G.R.O.W. curbside program under Ordinance 23-30.

View full Kapolei rules β†’

Pearl City, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

Pearl City residents follow ROH Sec. 42-3.5 food waste recycling and the G.R.O.W. curbside program, with home composting allowed for Waimalu and Manana yards.

View full Pearl City rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactKapoleiPearl City
CodeROH Sec. 42-3.5ROH Sec. 42-3.5
Curbside programG.R.O.W. food scraps-
EffectivePhased from April 2025-
Setout ruleROH Sec. 42-1.4-
Curbside start-April 1, 2025
Program-G.R.O.W. food scrap program
Commercial-Mandatory diversion rules

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kapolei FAQ

Do Kapolei restaurants have to divert food waste?

Yes. Commercial food establishments in Kapolei fall under mandatory diversion under ROH Sec. 42-3.5 and supporting ordinances, with fines for noncompliance.

Can I compost at home in Kapolei?

Yes. Backyard compost is allowed if it does not create odors, vermin, or other nuisances under ROH Chapter 16A. Many Kapolei HOAs restrict bin placement.

Pearl City FAQ

Can Pearl City condos set up shared compost bins?

Yes, subject to HOA approval and ROH Sec. 42-1.4 refuse placement rules. Well-managed shared bins can reduce the number of green-bin pickups needed.

Do Pearlridge restaurants have to compost?

Commercial food establishments have mandatory food-waste diversion obligations under ROH Sec. 42-3.5, including participating mall food-court tenants.

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