Posted on: Wednesday, May 4, 2005
Redemption bill passed to allow crushing of cans
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
It may soon be possible to turn crushed aluminum and plastic containers into cash under a bill lawmakers have sent to Gov. Linda Lingle.
A requirement that containers not be crushed before they are redeemed and the limited number of redemption centers have been major sources of complaints from consumers about the recycling program.
Allowing the redemption of crushed cans could take more containers off the streets, said Lance Wong of 'Aiea, who typically redeems 100 containers or so a month. Wong said he often runs across damaged containers at beach parks that he can't turn in.
Overall, the state has collected an estimated $13 million to $14 million in 5-cent container deposits since the program was launched.
During that time, $3.61 million has been returned to consumers who redeemed their containers, according to figures released yesterday by the state Department of Health, which administers the HI 5 redemption program.
Redemptions in April dipped to $1.42 million after March redemptions swelled to $1.59 million.
State officials maintain that it will take time for consumers to warm up to the idea of redeeming containers.
"Most other states (that redeem containers) started slow and built up over time," said Larry Lau, state deputy director for environmental health. "So far it looks like we're on a similar path.
"Both the department and the public are learning about this."
The bill allowing the redemption of crushed containers would take effect upon Lingle's signature.
Lawmakers yesterday also passed Senate Bill 212, which would provide up to $3 million a year in incentives for developing redemption centers. The Health Department opposes the bill, claiming it's unneeded. Lau said the department already is developing a program to provide financial aid to spur the opening of new redemption centers.
Currently there are 56 redemption centers statewide.
"We're continually trying to make sure there's more redemption centers," Lau said. "We do want to make it easier for the consumers."
Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.
The idea is to spur container redemption — a practice that, while improving, has yet to reach levels officials have sought since shoppers were able to take their containers to recycling centers for deposits starting in January.
Learn more: For a list of O'ahu recycling sites, visit www.opala.org
