Posted on: Tuesday, June 28, 2005

More recycling bins likely to be available soon

By Loren Moreno
Advertiser Staff Writer

Recycling involving nonprofits and schools could soon expand to include more parks and schools as drop-off sites.

Two resolutions approved last week by the City Council's Public Works and Economic Development Committee urge the administration to allow nonprofit groups to place collection bins in city parks and to work with the state Department of Education to place more recycling bins in schools.

Money raised from bottles and cans placed in the bins would benefit the designated nonprofit or school.

"It's a way of reducing our waste and to raise money for schools and programs," Councilman Rod Tam said.

The proposals were the first concrete ideas to advance since council members urged the administration to do everything possible to supplement existing recycling efforts before launching curbside recycling.

These programs are not expected to delay or replace curbside recycling, said Eric Takamura, the city's director of environmental services.

Takamura recommended initially expanding the parks program, which now exists only at the Honolulu Zoo and Hanauma Bay, to three different types of city parks including a district park or perhaps a baseball park.

If the program is successful, the number of parks included may expand, he said.

Public schools will be able to use the money raised at their bins, which could range from a few hundred dollars to $1,000 per bin per year, toward more computers and other programs.

Takamura said he still needs to work out the logistics with the city Department of Parks and Recreation and the City Council.

The initial pilot recycling program involving schools and parks began in 1990. At present, there are 77 community recycling bins, mostly at schools.

Environmental Services officials estimate that $800,000 has been returned to schools over the past 15 years.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2455.