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Hawaii County, HI Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

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

Key Facts

Bulky curbside pickup
None; self-haul only
Soft bulky items
Mattresses, chairs, couches accepted
DIY construction debris
Residential loads accepted
Daily limit
One residential load
Prohibited in stream
Paints, batteries, propane, HazWaste

Summary

There is no curbside bulky-item pickup. Residents self-haul large items to the recycling and transfer stations, which accept soft compactable bulky items such as mattresses, stuffed chairs, and couches, plus residential do-it-yourself construction debris, at no charge (limit one residential load per day).

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.

Any material delivered or deposited at a SWD facility shall become the property of the County. No person shall separate, collect, carry off, or dispose any article from any County SWD facility unless authorized to do so by the director.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Hawai'i County handles bulky waste through drop-off, not pickup. Residential recycling and transfer stations take household self-haul rubbish including soft compactable bulky items (mattresses, stuffed chairs, couches) and residential DIY construction and demolition debris and greenwaste, capped at one residential load per day. Scrap metal, appliances (white goods), and abandoned/derelict vehicles are handled through dedicated programs, and material delivered to a facility becomes county property. Prohibited materials (paints, solvents, batteries, propane cylinders, hazardous waste) may not be dropped in the general stream and must go to household-hazardous-waste collection.

Violations & Fines

Dumping bulky items outside a facility is unlawful under HCC 20-03-01/20-03-03; salvaging or removing items from a station without authorization violates HCC 20-03-04. Criminal violations are a petty misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and/or 30 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a mattress or old couch on the Big Island?
Self-haul it to a residential recycling and transfer station, which accepts soft compactable bulky items like mattresses, stuffed chairs, and couches at no charge, limited to one residential load per day.
Can I take back a good item I see at the transfer station?
Not without authorization. Under HCC 20-03-04 material delivered to a facility becomes county property, and no one may separate or carry off any article unless the director authorizes it (many stations have designated reuse centers).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Recycling RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome 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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