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Remember the three R’s of Recycling: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

What You Can Recycle

Recycling can feel a little confusing sometimes. Can I recycle this milk jug? What about this greasy pizza box? Is this glass the right kind of glass? If you’ve ever hovered over your bin with something in hand, unsure whether you’re helping the planet or ruining an entire load of recycling – you’re not alone.

We get it. But don’t worry – we’re here to make it simple. At Aloha Recycling, we believe that good recycling starts with good information. When you know what belongs in the bin (and what definitely doesn’t), you’re not just cleaning up – you’re keeping Maui beautiful and sustainable for generations to come.

So, let’s talk about what you can recycle with us – and just as importantly, what you can’t.

YES, RECYCLE THESE

1

HI-5 Beverage Containers

These are the big players – the containers that qualify for Hawaii’s HI-5 redemption program. That means when you bring them to one of our four certified redemption centers, we pay you cash.

Look for the HI-5 or HI5¢ mark on:

  • Aluminum cans (soda, sparkling water, beer)
  • Plastic bottles (water, iced tea, sports drinks, juice)
  • Glass bottles (non-liquor, non-wine beverage bottles)
  • Bimetal cans (energy drinks, some juices)

If it held a drink and says “HI-5,” it belongs in your redemption stash.

2

Cardboard

We love cardboard – it’s easy to recycle and doesn’t need to be fancy. We accept clean, dry cardboard boxes (Amazon packages, cereal boxes, shipping boxes).

Before recycling cardboard please:

  • Remove plastic tape or packing peanuts
  • Flatten your boxes
  • Keep them dry and unsoiled (no pizza grease, sorry!)

3

Non-HI-5 Glass

Even though these bottles and jars aren’t eligible for the redemption refund, we still take them! These can include salsa jars, wine bottles, or glass condiment containers. Hey, you’re coming by anyway, right?

Just make sure:

  • They’re empty and rinsed
  • No ceramics or Pyrex – those go elsewhere

4

Electronics

Kahalui location only

We recently started partnering with E-opala and are now accepting the following electronics:

  • Batteries (lead-acid, UPS)
  • Computers and peripherals
  • Hard Drives
  • Laptops and tablets
  • Monitors
  • Phones (cell, IP)
  • Power cords
  • Printers
  • TV ( Flat, CRT)
other-items

NO, DON’T RECYCLE THESE

We know it’s tempting, but wish-cycling (putting something in the bin because you wish it were recyclable) just causes more problems. Here’s what not to include:

  • Plastic bags or plastic film (grocery store bins usually handle these)
  • Styrofoam (aka polystyrene)
  • Greasy food containers (grease can ruin the whole load)
  • Diapers, garden hoses
  • Liquor or wine bottles (not eligible for HI-5 refunds – but we do accept them as non-HI-5 glass)

If in doubt, ask us! We’d much rather help you sort it out than have a whole load get tossed because of contamination.

Why Recycling Correctly is Just as Important as Recycling

When you sort your recycling correctly, you’re contributing to a circular economy, where materials get reused instead of dumped in landfills. You’re also helping us process materials faster, ship them off more efficiently, and keep our bins from overflowing.

In 2024 alone, we shipped out:

  • 1,311,496 lbs. (655.75 tons) of aluminum
  • 1,314,783 lbs. (657.39 tons) of plastic
  • 2,458,555 lbs (1229.28 tons) of HI 5 glass
  • 466,680 lbs. (233.34 tons) of non-HI 5 glass
  • 3,448,420 lbs. (1724 tons) of cardboard

That’s not trash. That’s transformation. That’s Maui doing its part.

Kihei crew

Need Help? We’ve Got You.

Not sure what bin to use? Wondering where to bring your recyclables? Our staff is here to help. We’re not just a drop-off site – we’re your neighborhood resource for all things recycling. Swing by one of our four island-wide sites, and we’ll walk you through the process. That means you get your money faster and easier while making the environmental-saving process more efficient.

makawao 1

Visit Aloha Recycling

We stay open during lunch. We won’t turn you away because our bins are full. And yes, we’ll pay you in cash for your HI-5 items.

Four locations across Maui | Open during lunch | Friendly, helpful staff
HI-5 Certified Redemption Center – Cash Only

Aloha Recycling