Hilo and Hawaiʻi County property owners and community managers: simplify recycling expectations while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling service is designed to align with Hawaiʻi’s Integrated Solid Waste Management framework (HRS Chapter 342G) and Hawaiʻi County’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Code so your apartment and multifamily communities support county diversion goals, reduce contamination, and protect NOI — all with a turnkey, inspector-friendly program.
Hilo does not have its own separate city code. Apartment and multifamily properties in Hilo are governed by Hawaiʻi County ordinances and state law. As of the most recently published code, there is no standalone, apartment-specific recycling mandate with a clear unit threshold or custom fine schedule. Instead, recycling expectations are embedded in state law, county integrated solid waste planning, and general code-enforcement tools that can still impact your property when recycling is neglected.
- NOI & Property Value Lift: Cleaner, code-aligned waste and recycling areas improve curb appeal, reduce overflow, and support higher resident retention in a competitive island housing market.
- Resident Convenience & Cleanliness: Doorstep collection reduces cart room crowding, dumpster overflow, litter, and contamination — especially during peak move-in/move-out and tourism-related turnover.
- Aligned with State & County Goals: Program design that supports HRS Chapter 342G recycling priorities and Hawaiʻi County Chapter 20 – Integrated Solid Waste Management, including landfill-diversion and zero-waste objectives.
- Code-Backed Design: Inspector-friendly container layouts, signage, resident education, and documentation to help you avoid violations of general solid waste rules and demonstrate good-faith compliance.
At a Glance: Hilo (Within Hawaiʻi County) vs County & State Framework
Hilo (Within Hawaiʻi County)
- Mandate Type: No separate “City of Hilo” recycling ordinance. Hilo apartment and multifamily communities follow Hawaiʻi County solid waste and recycling rules plus state law.
- Applicability to Apartments: The County code does not publish a dedicated apartment or multifamily recycling section with a unit threshold (for example, “5+ units”). Multifamily communities are expected to participate in county recycling programs and support landfill diversion as part of the overall integrated solid waste system.
- Duties in Practice: Property owners and managers are responsible for:
- Providing appropriate trash and recycling containers and service;
- Maintaining clean, safe, and non-nuisance waste areas;
- Educating residents on what can be recycled and how to set materials out.
- Enforcement Touchpoints: Issues are typically addressed through:
- County enforcement of solid waste rules and nuisance conditions; and
- State Department of Health enforcement for certain solid waste violations.
- Key Local Links:
Hawaiʻi County Code – Online Library
Hawaiʻi County Code – Chapter 20 Integrated Solid Waste (PDF)
Hawaiʻi Zero Waste / County Recycling Portal
Hawaiʻi County & Statewide Framework
- Mandate Type: Under HRS Chapter 342G (Integrated Solid Waste Management), the State prioritizes source reduction and recycling ahead of landfilling. A 2006 state law (SB 2622) directs each county to develop a mandatory onsite recycling program for buildings constructed on or after July 1, 2007.
- Applicability Threshold (Multifamily): Hawaiʻi County’s published ordinances do not specify an apartment-only threshold (such as “multi-family buildings with 5 or more dwelling units”). Instead, recycling expectations apply broadly through county programs and planning documents.
- Program Duties: Through Chapter 20 and the County’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, Hawaiʻi County:
- Defines an integrated system of landfills, transfer stations, and diversion programs;
- Supports recycling and drop-off infrastructure island-wide; and
- Encourages residential (including multifamily) participation in recycling to meet diversion goals.
- Enforcement:
- Hawaiʻi County may enforce Chapter 20 and related rules through inspections and general penalty provisions.
- The Hawaiʻi Department of Health may issue notices of violation and pursue civil penalties for certain state-level solid waste violations.
- Key County & State Links:
HRS Chapter 342G – Integrated Solid Waste Management (PDF)
Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 342G – Online
Hawaiʻi County 2019 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan
Fines & Penalties Snapshot
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Hawaiʻi County – Violations of County Code (Including Solid Waste Provisions):
Where the Hawaiʻi County Code is violated and no specific penalty is listed, the general penalty in County Code Section 1-10 applies. A person convicted of such a violation may face:
• Up to a $100 fine per offense, and/or
• Up to 90 days imprisonment, or both,
with each day that a violation continues potentially treated as a separate offense. -
State of Hawaiʻi – HRS Chapter 342G & Department of Health Enforcement:
Under HRS Chapter 342G, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health administers the state’s integrated solid waste laws. The Department may:
• Issue Notices of Violation and Compliance Orders for certain solid waste and recycling violations;
• Pursue civil penalties under applicable statutes and rules; and
• Require corrective action to bring facilities and programs into compliance.
While these tools are not written as an “apartment-only” fine schedule, they can affect multifamily properties that manage solid waste or participate in recycling programs. -
No Apartment-Specific Fine Schedule Published (Yet):
As of the latest available code, Hawaiʻi County has not adopted a separate, apartment-only recycling ordinance with a dedicated fine table (for example, specific penalties for failing to provide recycling service to residents at multifamily properties). Enforcement for recycling-related issues is therefore expected to flow through:
• General County Code penalties and nuisance/solid waste provisions; and
• State-level enforcement where applicable. - Tip: By maintaining service contracts, recycling container maps, resident education records, and photos of clean, well-signed recycling areas, you give inspectors and regulators a clear, documented story of good-faith compliance — the best way to avoid escalating enforcement or penalties.
Property Manager Compliance Checklist (Hilo & Hawaiʻi County Multifamily)
| Task | Action / Requirement | Authoritative Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction & Applicable Rules |
Determine how your community is regulated:
• Location: Hilo is an unincorporated community within Hawaiʻi County — there is no separate city recycling code. • County Code: Solid waste, landfill, transfer station, and diversion programs are governed by Hawaiʻi County Code Chapter 20 – Integrated Solid Waste Management. • State Law: All counties must comply with HRS Chapter 342G, which emphasizes recycling and diversion ahead of landfilling. |
Hawaiʻi County Code – Online Library Chapter 20 – ISWM (PDF) HRS Chapter 342G – Statute (PDF) |
| ☑ Design Onsite Recycling & Trash Service for Residents |
Even without a printed apartment threshold, run your community as if multifamily recycling is mandatory:
• Subscribe to both trash and recycling service at volumes that match your resident count and waste profile. • Where residents use County transfer stations or drop-off centers, provide clear instructions on how and where to take recyclables. • Coordinate with haulers to ensure that major recyclable streams (paper, cardboard, metals, plastics, glass if accepted) are captured rather than landfilled. |
Hawaiʻi Zero Waste – County Recycling Hawaiʻi County ISWM Plan (2019) |
| ☑ Containers, Corral Layout & Signage |
Provide clearly labeled, well-placed containers that make it easy for residents to recycle:
• Size containers and pickup frequency to prevent overflow, windblown litter, and nuisance conditions. • Separate recycling from trash wherever possible to reduce contamination and support county diversion goals. • Post permanent signage at enclosures, cart rooms, and compactors showing what residents can and cannot place in recycling. • Ensure hauler access (clear drive aisles, gate codes, and service hours) and safe resident access to recycling areas. |
County Recycling Guidance & Materials Zero Waste & Diversion Resources |
| ☑ Resident Education & Communication |
Build a simple resident communication plan that proves you’re doing your part:
• Provide written recycling instructions to residents at move-in and on a recurring schedule (for example, at least twice per year). • Use door hangers, email blasts, portal messages, and community signage to show residents how and where to set out recyclables. • Emphasize contamination reduction (no trash in recycling, no hazardous materials) to support county and state goals. • Keep copies (PDFs, screenshots, printouts) of all resident-facing recycling communications as part of your compliance file. |
Hawaiʻi Zero Waste – Outreach Materials State DOH – Solid & Hazardous Waste Branch |
| ☑ Documentation & Avoiding Enforcement Issues |
Create an “inspection-ready” binder (digital or physical) for your community:
• Current trash and recycling service agreements, invoices, and route info. • Photos of container areas showing signage, cleanliness, and container labels. • Logs of resident education mailings, portal messages, and events (dates and content). • Notes from internal walk-throughs and any corrective actions taken to reduce contamination or nuisance conditions. By documenting your efforts, you are better positioned if County or State officials inquire about your solid waste practices or investigate complaints. |
Hawaiʻi County Code – Enforcement Provisions Hawaiʻi County – Department of Environmental Management |
| ☑ Monitor Emerging Rules (Landfill Bans, Organics, Packaging) |
Stay ahead of evolving requirements:
• Monitor proposed County ordinances (such as drafts to restrict landfilling of recyclables) and state bills that strengthen diversion benchmarks. • Evaluate how new landfill bans, organics-diversion rules, or packaging requirements might affect your multifamily waste and recycling setup. • Adjust contracts, container layouts, and resident education so your community remains compliant as standards tighten. |
Hawaiʻi County Legislative & Ordinance Records Hawaiʻi State Legislature – Bill Status |
Need a fast recycling compliance check in Hilo or Hawaiʻi County? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Hilo, Kona, Waimea, Puna, or islandwide multifamily property — we’ll right-size your containers, draft resident education, and prepare inspection-ready documentation so you can support Hawaiʻi’s diversion goals and avoid enforcement headaches.
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