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Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Beverage Container Deposit Recycling Law (HRS 342G)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

Refund value
5 cents per container
Container fee
0.5 to 1.5 cents
Enforcing agency
Hawaii Department of Health
Maximum penalty
Up to $10,000 per offense
Statute
HRS 342G, Part VIII
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Hawaii's HI-5 program under HRS 342G-110 places a 5-cent refundable deposit on every beverage container sold statewide. Distributors pay the deposit plus a per-container fee to the Department of Health, and dealers charge the deposit to consumers at the point of sale.

By January 1, 2005, every deposit beverage container sold in this State shall have a refund value of 5 cents. Each container shall have the refund value clearly indicated on it as provided in section 342G-112. (b) The refund value is the amount of the deposit required. Once a refund value has been applied to a deposit beverage container, the deposit on that container may not be changed and shall be paid to the State.

Full Breakdown

Under HRS 342G-110, every deposit beverage container sold in Hawaii carries a 5-cent refund value that consumers reclaim by returning empties to certified redemption centers. Deposit beverage distributors pay the 5-cent deposit and a container fee (0.5 to 1.5 cents, set annually from the redemption rate under HRS 342G-102) to the Department of Health's Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch. HRS 342G-111(b) requires each dealer to charge the deposit at the point of sale, excluding on-premises consumption. Containers must be marked with the refund value and 'HI' or 'Hawaii' per HRS 342G-112.

Violations & Penalties

HRS 342G-71 authorizes fines up to $10,000 per offense for violating chapter 342G or its rules, with each day of violation counted as a separate offense, pursued through administrative, civil, or criminal action by the Department of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Hawaii container deposit and how do I get it back?
Every deposit beverage container sold in Hawaii carries a 5-cent refund value under HRS 342G-110. You reclaim it by returning empties to a certified HI-5 redemption center.
Who enforces Hawaii's beverage container recycling law?
The Hawaii Department of Health administers the HI-5 deposit beverage container program and may impose fines up to $10,000 per offense under HRS 342G-71.

Sources

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