East Maui Waste Management & Recycling
East Maui Waste Management & Recycling supports rural East Maui communities by providing access to essential waste reduction and recycling supplies that help keep our ʻāina clean and healthy. Our program offers tools and resources to support community events, cultural gatherings, farms, schools, and grassroots projects with responsible waste management practices. Supplies may include waste diversion materials, recycling bins, signage, and event-based support. Availability is based on capacity and project alignment. To request supplies or support, please complete the request form using the link below, and our team will follow up as soon as possible.
The Project
The East Maui Waste Management & Recycling Project, led by East Maui Taro Festival Inc., is a community-driven effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability in one of Hawaiʻi’s most remote regions. Centered around the 30th Annual East Maui Taro Festival (April 18, 2026), the project introduces composting stations, reusable infrastructure, and a HI-5 recycling pickup program that reinvests proceeds into local education, environmental programs, and community capacity building. In partnership with the Maui Huliau Foundation’s Huliau Green Events program, the project aims to achieve a Zero Waste Festival, diverting 80% or more of event waste through composting, recycling, vendor education, water refill stations, and trained waste ambassadors.
Supported by the East Maui Mālama Waste Hui, a team of trained local volunteers who have served over 9,500 event participants, the project has already reduced landfill impact and strengthened waste diversion efforts in East Maui. Rooted in the values of aloha ʻāina and mālama ʻāina, this initiative engages youth, kūpuna, schools, and community partners in hands-on stewardship practices that protect watersheds, shorelines, and fisheries from mauka to makai, helping build long-term resilience for rural island communities.
Mahalo nui loa to our sponsor, the County of Maui, Department of Environmental Management, Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EP&S) Division,
Mahalo nui loa to our sponsor, the County of Maui, Department of Environmental Management, Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EP&S) Division, for supporting this project and investing in community-led environmental solutions in East Maui.
This initiative fosters a holistic approach that benefits both people and place, strengthening a resilient and empowered community rooted in its land, culture, and traditions. Through waste reduction and diversion, the project helps reduce strain on the Hāna Landfill—whose capacity is projected to reach its limit by the end of 2026—while minimizing environmental impacts. Community members, especially youth, gain hands-on environmental education and stewardship skills that extend beyond events into everyday life.
This form is used to request supplies needed for waste management and recycling operations in East Maui. It ensures scheduling, and availability of our equipment such as waste & recycle bins. Please complete all sections to kokua your request.
These supplies were made available by the support of our Maui County - Dept. of Environment - Environment, Protection, & Sustainability Division.