Sofia Martinez
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in Hawaii, with millions of marine animals, including endangered species, killed by plastics each year. While Hawaii has implemented recycling initiatives, such as the blue bin program, the state faces challenges due to the lack of a traditional recycling plant, contamination in recyclables, and the cost of shipping waste off-island. These factors have led to a search for more sustainable solutions, such as local recycling facilities and the reduction of plastic usage. Understanding which plastics are recyclable in Hawaii is, therefore, a critical aspect of addressing the state's environmental concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types accepted for recycling | #1, #2 |
| Plastic types sent for incineration | #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 |
| Plastic types that are not recycled | Contaminated plastics, plastic furniture |
| Plastic types that are recycled elsewhere | Low-grade plastics #3-#7 |
| Plastic types that are sold | #1, #2 |
| Markets that buy recycled plastics | Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Korea |
| Organisations that collect plastics for recycling | RRR Services Hawaii, Hawaiian Earth Recycling, Puna Precious Plastic |
| Organisations that support recycling | Recycle Hawaii, H-Power |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling plastics in Hawaii
Despite these challenges, some local organizations are working to address plastic pollution in Hawaii. For example, Puna Precious Plastic, a local chapter of an international organization, has collected about a thousand pounds of waste plastic and aims to establish a recycling facility to sort, shred, and remanufacture plastic onsite. Hawaiian Earth Recycling, a composting facility in Wahiawa, accepts green waste and composts it to create soil products sold on the island.
The City and County of Honolulu also have a recycling program for various materials, including plastics. They contract RRR Services Hawaii to receive and sort recyclables from the blue bins, which are then sold to manufacturers in the US, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Korea. However, it is important to note that only clean and uncontaminated plastics can be recycled. Contamination refers to dirty and non-recyclable materials mixed with recyclable items, increasing processing costs.
To recycle plastics correctly in Hawaii, residents should separate their recyclables and ensure they are clean and free of food residue. Plastics with codes 1 and 2 are accepted in the blue bins, while low-grade plastics (numbers 3-7) are sent to H-POWER, an incinerator in Honolulu that generates electricity for the island. Overall, while recycling plastics in Hawaii faces challenges due to the lack of local infrastructure and contamination issues, local initiatives and proper recycling practices by residents can help improve the situation.
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Plastic contamination
Plastics are made from fossil fuels, and their production contributes to environmental degradation through fracking, a process that pollutes water, air, and soil while also destabilizing underground rock formations. The demand for and extreme use of plastic must decrease if we want to reduce the negative impacts of fracking. Unfortunately, the current rate of plastic pollution is overwhelming the world's ability to deal with it, especially in developing regions with inefficient or non-existent garbage collection systems.
The impact of plastic contamination is felt across the globe. For instance, the island of Oahu in Hawaii generates over 2.2 million tons of waste annually, and the state's recycling efforts come at a cost. While Hawaii collects millions of pounds of recyclable materials through its Hi-5 program, the lack of a local recycling plant means that this waste must be transported off-island, contributing to CO2 emissions and other pollutants. The end result, whether through incineration or overseas shipping, is an increase in greenhouse gases.
The environmental impact of plastic pollution extends beyond aesthetics. Plastic debris, such as bottles, straws, containers, and plastic wrap, can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change. It also directly affects the livelihoods, food production capabilities, and social well-being of millions of people. Additionally, plastic waste in oceans, rivers, and lakes kills millions of marine animals, including endangered species, each year. These animals are entangled or strangled by plastic fishing gear and six-pack soda rings, or they ingest microplastics that block their digestive systems, cause malnutrition, or poison them with toxins.
To address plastic contamination, systemic transformation is necessary. While recycling is a good start, it is not enough to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Instead, we need to transition to a circular economy, reduce our reliance on single-use plastics, and advocate for plastic taxes or bans at a legislative level. Individual actions, such as participating in beach cleanups, adopting reusable alternatives, and supporting proper waste management systems, are also crucial in combating plastic contamination.
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Plastic waste in Hawaii
Plastic waste is a pressing issue in Hawaii, threatening its natural ecosystem and wildlife. The islands, once known for their pristine beaches and clear waters, are now grappling with the influx of plastic pollution, which is detrimental to the environment and local communities. The impact of plastic waste in Hawaii is extensive and far-reaching, with efforts to mitigate this issue ongoing.
Hawaii's unique geographical location within the North Pacific Gyre, particularly its proximity to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, contributes significantly to the plastic pollution issue. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast accumulation of marine plastic debris, is estimated to span approximately 1.6 million square kilometres. The swirling ocean currents carry plastic waste from across the globe to Hawaii's shores, resulting in an average of 484 plastic pieces accumulating in a single locality. Kamilo Beach, located on the southeastern tip of Hawaii's Big Island, has earned the unfortunate moniker of "Plastic Beach" due to the sheer volume of plastic pollution that has plagued it for decades.
The plastic waste crisis in Hawaii is exacerbated by the state's lack of a traditional recycling plant. Consequently, the majority of the collected recyclable materials, such as aluminum, bi-metal, glass, and plastic, have to be transported off the island. This process of shipping the waste to other locations, including developing countries in Southeast Asia, contributes to increased carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants, undermining the very concept of recycling for the planet's benefit.
The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the aesthetic degradation of Hawaii's natural beauty. It poses a severe threat to the rich biodiversity of the islands, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal, green turtles, and millions of seabirds. Marine animals frequently fall victim to plastic entanglement or ingestion of microplastics, leading to injuries, malnutrition, and poisoning from toxic substances in the plastics. The problem is further compounded by the contribution of waste from the tourism industry, with single-use plastics being a significant concern.
To address the plastic waste crisis, various measures are being implemented in Hawaii. Some islands, such as Maui, have taken the initiative to ban plastic shopping bags and disposable polystyrene products. Lawmakers are also planning to introduce a bill to prohibit single-use plastic bottles in hotels, encouraging the use of bulk dispensers instead. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on individual actions, such as encouraging visitors to bring reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and eco-friendly cutlery when travelling to Hawaii. Beach clean-up efforts and raising awareness about the issue among local companies, resorts, and visitors are also ongoing.
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Plastic recycling process
Plastic recycling is a complex process that involves multiple steps to transform used plastic into reusable material. The recycling process begins when consumers toss empty plastic containers into recycling bins for collection by government or private companies. Collectors gather these post-consumer plastics from various locations, including homes, schools, and other institutions.
The next critical step in the recycling process is sorting. Sorting involves grouping plastics based on their respective types, which can be done manually or by machines at recycling plants. Plastics are sorted by chemical composition, colour, thickness, and intended usage. This step is crucial as different types of plastics need to be processed separately. After sorting, it's important to wash the plastics to remove any impurities, such as food residue, adhesives, and product labels, ensuring the material is clean for further processing.
Once sorted and cleaned, the plastic material is then shredded or cut into small pieces called "flake." This process helps break down the plastic into a raw material that can be sold or used as additives. Shredding also aids in removing additional impurities like metals. After shredding, the flake undergoes another round of rinsing and air drying to ensure it is free of any remaining contaminants.
The cleaned and dried flake is then processed to separate different types of plastic. This is done by placing the material in a large tank of water, where some plastics float while others sink, allowing for easy separation. This step is crucial as different plastics have different melting points and properties, and they need to be processed separately.
The separated flake is then melted and processed into pellets or "nurdles." These pellets are the raw material that can be moulded into new products. The pellets might undergo a decontamination process if they are intended for food-contact packaging. This decontamination step involves using vacuum and heat under low oxygen levels to ensure the material is safe for food packaging.
Finally, these pellets are sold to manufacturers who use them to create new products. This last step completes the recycling process, turning used plastic into reusable material for new products.
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Plastic recycling alternatives
While recycling is a great way to reduce plastic waste, it is not the only method. Here are some alternative ways to reduce your plastic usage and waste:
Reusable Products
A staggering trillion plastic bags are used every year. Bring your own reusable alternatives to plastic bags, and show others that we can buy produce without plastic by using reusable produce bags. Bring your own containers when shopping in bulk bins so you don't need to use the provided plastic ones. You can also bring your own reusable utensils, cups, and bottles.
Compostable Materials
Felted or recycled wool is a versatile, safe, and compostable material for children's toys, household containers, and more. Wood from sustainably managed forests can replace plastic in household items like cleaning brushes, kitchen utensils, and cutting boards.
Biodegradable Plastics
Bioplastics are biodegradable or compostable plastics made from natural substances instead of petroleum. While most bioplastics don't break down in home composts, some, like polycaprolactone (PCL), do degrade after a few weeks of composting. However, bioplastics can contaminate municipal recycling programs when people unknowingly add them to their recycling.
Non-Liquid Soaps
Liquid soaps, shampoos, and detergents contribute significantly to plastic waste. Opt for bar soap, shampoo bars, and powders packed in recyclable containers instead. Some stores also carry liquid soaps in bulk, allowing you to refill containers.
Glass, Metal, and Paper Packaging
When possible, choose glass, metal, or unlined paper packaging over plastic. These materials are more environmentally friendly alternatives for packaging honey, oil, or dry goods.
While Hawaii does not have a traditional recycling plant and faces challenges with its waste management, adopting these plastic recycling alternatives can help reduce plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future for the islands.
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Frequently asked questions
Types 1 and 2 plastics are recyclable in Hawaii. These are typically plastic water bottles.
Plastic that isn't recycled is incinerated at H-Power, a power plant in Honolulu, or shipped overseas to Southeast Asian countries.
The incineration and overseas shipment of non-recyclable plastic contributes to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, plastic waste on Hawaiian beaches entangles and strangles native marine life, such as turtles and monk seals.
Individuals can ensure that their plastic waste is clean and properly sorted into designated recycling bins to reduce contamination and increase the recyclability of plastic. They can also support initiatives, such as Puna Precious Plastic, that are working to establish local recycling facilities.
