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.
ROH Sec. 42-3.5 establishes food waste recycling requirements, and Ordinance 23-30 (Bill 47) requires adding curbside collection of food scraps and wasted food to the islandwide recyclable materials program by April 1, 2025 under the G.R.O.W. Program. Commercial food establishments face mandatory diversion obligations covering restaurants and hotels countywide. ROH Sec. 42-1.4 governs preparation and placement of refuse and recyclables. Rural Oahu composting and backyard systems remain unregulated, while multifamily properties must coordinate service with the Department of Environmental Services.
Noncompliance by commercial generators and haulers can result in fines, service suspensions, and enforcement actions by the Department of Environmental Services.
See how Honolulu County's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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