When you first start recycling, you may be confused about how to sort and prepare them and what’s eligible for recycling pick up. To help clear the air, here are the answers to a few common questions so that you can begin recycling correctly and effectively.

Recycling FAQ

Which items require special disposal?

Some recyclable items can’t be lumped with your regular recycling pick up, so they should be taken to a special facility. This includes automotive fluids, batteries, paints, and household cleaners. These items contain highly poisonous chemicals, like lithium and alkaline. If they’re not disposed of properly, they’ll release their toxic content into the air or soil and harm the environment.

How do I prepare items for recycling pick up?

Rinse your glass, plastic, and metal containers, and dump out all liquids. The residue or fluid inside certain items will likely leak out during transit to the facility, ruining paper and cardboard recyclables. Break down cardboard boxes to save space in your bin. There’s no need to remove the caps on your bottles and jars as these can be recycled, as well.

What happens to my recycled items?

The items are sent to a materials recovery facility where the different pieces are separated and weighed. They’re then bailed together and sold on the market to manufacturers who’ll use them to create new goods.

Why is recycling important?

Recycling keeps useful items out of landfills, minimizing trash buildup. This process reuses raw materials to create new ones, lessening the production strain on manufacturers. For example, soda cans are separated from other aluminum items. They’re re-melted to remove all coatings and inks. The molten metal is formed into large blocks called ingots, which are sent to a mill and rolled into sheets. This material can be used to create new cans or other metal items.

If you have items you’d like to recycle, head to any of the facilities run by Maui Disposal. Our locally owned company operates one recycling center in Maui. For over 50 years, these professionals have provided Maui residents with reliable, convenient waste disposal and recycling pick up. Visit our recycling center at 60 Kenoa St. Wailuku, HI 96793. Learn about their curbside recycling services online, or call (808) 242-7999 to schedule a pickup.