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.
Kapolei households receive standard Honolulu curbside refuse, recycling, and green waste service. ROH Sec. 42-3.5 establishes food waste recycling, and Ordinance 23-30 (Bill 47) added curbside food scrap collection to the islandwide G.R.O.W. program starting April 1, 2025. The Second City hosts many food establishments around Ka Makana Alii, the ferry terminal, and UH West Oahu that face mandatory diversion requirements for commercial food waste. ROH Sec. 42-1.4 covers preparation and placement of refuse and recyclables at the curb, including setback distances on Kapolei collection days. Backyard composting at Kapolei homes is allowed but must not create Chapter 16A nuisances.
Improper Kapolei cart setout or contaminated green carts may draw warning tags and fines. Commercial food operators face escalating penalties for failing diversion.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle composting.
See how Kapolei's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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