Elements of a Successful Zero Waste System

Initiate a system wide (public, private businesses, elected officials and public service employees) re-education program. Develop and implement a coordinated (local, state, national) waste reduction effort focusing on reducing problem items such as excess packaging. Formalize the various reuse programs currently in existence on Kauai into a coordinated effort (i.e. Salvation Army, ReStore, Materials Exchange, etc).

Transition to Automated Refuse Collection. Modifying the current collection system to automate in those urban areas most suited to the larger trucks and 96 gal wheeled trash bins. Initially implementing curbside residential greenwaste collection using the old manual collection trucks. Implement an island wide hybrid "Universal-PAYT" residential waste collection fee, where residents would receive a basic level of service as part of their property tax bill with an additional fee for extra trash. Maximize the diversion of organics by developing a public/private partnership (private operation on public land) targeting greenwaste, biosolids, foodwaste, unrecyclable paper, and cooking oil and greastrap waste (for biofuels).

Immediately expand the existing drop-off recycling system to integrate redemption (HI-5) activities, providing convenient multi-material centers in all communities. Construct a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) with an initial capacity of 25 tpd, expandable to 50 tpd then 75 tpd. As the Island's collection system grows the MRF could be modified to manage dual stream collection (commingled containers and mixed paper), and ultimately a wet/dry collection process.

Expand and improve the current Special Waste management program(s) including instituting Advance Disposal Fees (ADFs) for cars and white goods. Include regular bulky item pick-up, and management programs for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Small Commercially Generated (SQEG) hazardous waste. Implement the collection of curbside recyclables in the denser urban neighborhoods, once refuse automation is in place. Implementing a dual stream system for commingled containers and mixed paper. Require waste diversion plans for Construction Demolition (C&D) waste from all new construction projects as a condition of building permit.

Implement a number of commercial recycling mandates or disposal bans through, initially requiring the recycling of Cardboard, Greenwaste and Mixed office paper.

Ultimately eliminate residential trash collection as it is currently handled. Transitioning into a 2 stream, Wet/Dry collection with the MRF handling the dry stream and the composting operation managing the wet waste.

Work with the commercial haulers to develop a compatible collection strategy for commercial waste with the goal of Zero Waste (source separated fiber (ie cdbd & mixed office paper) dry and wet).

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Recycling in the Workplace Establishing a practical, cost-effective, sustainable recycling program in the workplace is an achievable goal. Following the steps below will result in the design of an effective program: Select a Recycling Coordinator in the workplace Conduct a waste stream assessment Determine which materials to target for recycling Select your collection contractor Design your collection system Promote employee participation Contact the County Recycling Office at 241-6891 for free technical assistance on assessing your waste stream and detailed recommendations on creating a waste reduction program. A complete description of the steps listed above can be found on line at www.opalla.org.