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Hawaii County, HI Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Curbside set-out rule
None; no county pickup
Where to place waste
Station compactors/drop-off bins
Station access
Posted hours only
Dumping prohibition
HCC 20-03-03(a)
Private hauler bins
Per hauler contract

Summary

Because the County of Hawai'i runs no curbside collection, there are no set-out times or curb-placement rules for household bins in most areas. Waste is deposited at transfer and recycling stations into county compactors and marked drop-off bins, not left at the curb for pickup.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall leave, abandon, or place any wrecked or nonoperational automobile or construction equipment or part or portion of a wrecked or nonoperational automobile or construction equipment, or scrap iron, or other similar material, upon any part of a public highway, public property, or private property of another.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Mainland-style rules about when to roll a cart out and when to bring it back do not apply, because the county does not collect from the curb. At a transfer/recycling station you place your rubbish into the designated county compactor and separate recyclables into the labeled drop-off bins during posted station hours. Where a private subscription hauler operates, container placement follows that hauler's contract. The one firm county rule is that solid waste must go into an approved facility, not be left on public highways, public property, or another's private property.

Violations & Fines

Leaving rubbish outside an approved facility, or on a public highway or another's property, is unlawful under HCC 20-03-01 and 20-03-03(a) and can draw the chapter's civil fines up to $1,000 per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I put my trash bin out on the Big Island?
You generally don't; the county has no curbside pickup in most areas. You bring rubbish to a transfer or recycling station during posted hours and deposit it in the county compactors and drop-off bins.
Can I leave bags of trash at the roadside?
No. Leaving refuse on a public highway, public property, or someone else's land is prohibited under HCC 20-03-03(a) and can be enforced as illegal dumping with daily fines.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Hawaii County rules

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