Honolulu County, HI Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ROH § 42-1.3
- Administered by
- Refuse Division, Dept. of Environmental Services
- Opt-out
- licensed private collector or approved disposal
- Collected refuse
- becomes city property
Summary
The Refuse Division administers island-wide trash and recycling collection for every building on Oahu under ROH § 42-1.3, unless the owner arranges a licensed private collector or an approved on-site disposal system.
The division shall have charge of and shall administer the collection and disposal of refuse and the collection and processing of recyclable materials as designated by the director. No refuse shall be collected from any building or place when: (1) The owner thereof has made provision for refuse collection by the owner’s own vehicles or by a licensed collector; and (2) The owner thereof has installed or provided the premises with private incineration equipment or other refuse disposal facilities that have been approved by the director as being adequate and safe...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).
Full Breakdown
ROH § 42-1.3(a) puts the division in charge of collecting refuse and recyclable materials as designated by the director. City pickup is skipped only where the owner has arranged collection through their own vehicles or a licensed collector, or has installed director-approved private incineration or disposal equipment. Once collected, refuse and recyclables become city property under § 42-1.3(b), and collection frequency and days are set administratively by the director rather than fixed in the ordinance.
Violations & Fines
General violations of Chapter 42 are subject to a civil fine of up to $500 per violation under § 42-5.1(a), with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trash pickup mandatory in Honolulu?
Who sets my collection day in Honolulu?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Honolulu County
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