MEDIA RELEASE

Construction site of the Waimea Solid Waste Recycling and Transfer Station.

The current renovations designed by the Department’s Solid Waste Division, and being constructed by contractor Bolton Inc., will not only make the site safer and more user friendly for our customers, they also include a number of “green” practices.

Glass collected on-island, including Waimea, has been crushed and approximately 1,000 tons have been reused as aggregate in glasscrete pads and as road base material. The transfer station’s recycling bins will be recessed to make it easier for customers to drop-off recyclables. Landscaping and fencing will improve the look of the transfer station and will provide a wind break to assist with litter control. A bamboo structure will provide shade and shelter to recyclers at the HI5 redemption site. The transfer station will house a Re-use Center as well as green waste and scrap metal drop-off areas. The public use area will be paved and landscaped to eliminate tripping hazards and improve site cleanliness.

The Mayor’s Green Team recently visited the Waimea Recycling and Transfer Station project to observe the “green” practices first-hand. This project embodies Green Team goals and is an example of how the County can incorporate “green” practices in construction projects.

The Mayor’s Green Team is a core group of dedicated County staff from various departments determined to provide the resources necessary to promote the County’s path to sustainability. Their mission is to do research, analyze, and identify options for improved efficiencies, reduced costs, and greater social and environmental stewardship, focusing on four primary areas: Energy, Transportation, Buildings, and Waste (Resource Management).

The construction project, budgeted at $750,000, is on schedule for completion by the end of October 2009. The Solid Waste Division has phased the work in order to limit interruption to customers. However, a three-day site closure is anticipated during the paving operation later this month. Notification will be provided once the exact dates have been established.