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.
ROH Sec. 42-3.5 establishes food waste recycling requirements, while Ordinance 23-30 (Bill 47) adds curbside food scrap collection to the islandwide recyclable materials program under the G.R.O.W. Program effective April 1, 2025. In the urban core the commercial mandate is significant: Waikiki hotels, Ala Moana restaurants, and downtown office cafeterias must divert food waste. ROH Sec. 42-1.4 governs placement of refuse and recyclables, a pain point in tight Chinatown alleys and narrow Kakaako right-of-ways. Condo towers must coordinate service with the Department of Environmental Services.
Commercial generators and haulers that fail to divert can face fines, service suspensions, and enforcement actions by the Department of Environmental Services.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle composting.
See how Urban Honolulu's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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