KAIMUKI — Hundreds of cars, vans and trucks poured into the Kaimuki High School parking lot yesterday morning, leaving tons of recyclable material that could have otherwise ended up in O'ahu's landfill or along the side of the road.

Before noon, organizers of the 3rd Annual Community Clean-up — A Recycling Extravaganza declared it the most successful at this particular site in the three years the program has been operating.

Some 800 computers, 200 batteries, 100 tires and dozens of appliances were collected by 11 a.m. Bins for cardboard, paper, beverage containers and green waste collected material from a steady stream of residents who drove to the school.

Four big flatbed trucks combed the surrounding communities, picking up larger items too big to fit into a vehicle. Most of it will be recycled, sent to Mainland businesses for reprocessing and reused. What isn't recycled will be taken to the landfill.

Driving a half-ton pickup, Dahlia Asuega hauled in old washing machines and other appliances. Asuega, with Mutual Housing Association of Hawai'i at Palolo Homes, said she collected the stuff from around Palolo Homes in Palolo Valley.

"We're just working all together to help keep the community clean, keep Hawai'i clean," she said. "As a community it's important for everybody to pitch in and help."

About 20 students from the city's Youthbuild program removed bags from cars and carried tires to a bin so drivers didn't have to get out to unload their material. The youths said they were glad to help as they learned about recycling.

Morgan Owens, of Intrade Corp., said he didn't know what to expect at the collection but he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout and that teenagers were helping.

"It's really nice to come out here and see all these kids working with us," Owens said. "They could be doing other things."

Audrey Toshi of Palolo Valley and Kam Chun Siu of Kaimuki said the volunteers made recycling easier.

"I appreciate the muscle to get it out of my car, to get it out of my home," said Toshi, who wanted to participate because the school will benefit from the collection.

Siu said he was moving to 'Aiea and needed to get rid of some items. Having the drop-off, "kept me from going to the dump site in (Kailua)," he said.

The campaign was organized by the Recycling Industry Committee, which is part of the General Contractors Association of Hawai'i, and initiated by various local politicians.

Recyclers like T&N Services and Interstate Battery Systems Inc. collected old computers and batteries and will dispose of them for free, said event coordinator Rene Mansho.

Intrade Corp. and Schnitzer Steel, which normally pay for used ink cartridges and metal, respectively, will donate a portion of their proceeds to the campaign, which will distribute it to three organizations: Kaimuki High School, Kapahulu Community Center and Mo'ili'ili Community Center.

The community cleanup had exceeded expectations, Mansho said. "It is the biggest collection for Kaimuki."

Typically, the collections bring in about $2,000, said city Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi. But more importantly, the cleanup reduces illegal dumping and helps residents, especially the elderly, who can't clean up without help. Volunteers met the elderly at their garages and helped remove old, unwanted material, Kobayashi said.

"It's not the money so much as the participation," she said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.