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Environmental Management-Refuse Collection

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1. How do I find the refuse application for residential collection service?

The application for residential pick up service is located at: Application for Residential Refuse Pick Up Service

2. Why is Maui County automating collection?

The benefits of the changeover to an automated system featuring the new 96 gallon wheeled cart include:
EASE OF HANDLING: The new containers feature large wheels and do not need to be picked up and carried. Residents will only have to wheel out a single container each week.

SANITATION / BEAUTIFICATION: The new containers should reduce litter, minimize problems with animals, and improve sanitation created by residential trash in plastic trash bags, open containers and boxes. This in turn will result improve the appearance of our neighborhoods.

SAFETY: Back injuries to County trash collectors will be reduced. They will not have to pick-up and empty heavy cans. Worker injuries are more common with manual residential refuse collection.

ECONOMY: The automated trucks operate more efficiently and can service more accounts. Workers Compensation insurance and overall operations costs will be reduced as injury rates and manpower requirements go down.

The County has already automated collections in Central and South Maui and it has been very successful and well received.

3. Will this new service involve additional costs?

The Automated Residential Refuse Collection Service will not involve any additional costs. All current account holders will continue to receive collection service at the existing rate of $216 per year. The County will be providing a new 96 gallon wheeled cart for residents receiving automated service.

4. What other changes should I anticipate?

The refuse collection days for most customers will be changed to accommodate the twice weekly collection schedule and the larger routes serviced by the new trucks. Also, the time of collection will also change, beginning around 5:00 a.m. and running to as late as 3:30 p.m.
The use of the larger roll carts will also require changes in the placement of containers in front of you house. The new carts should be oriented so the handle faces away from the street and either placed at the edge of pavement or just off the sidewalk against the curb. All carts should be placed at least 5 feet away from any obstacles such as cars or power poles and at least 15 feet away from a mail box.

5. Will there be any changes in my service if I am not a resident of Upcountry and Lahaina?

Due to the adjustments which must be made to collection routes, and the fact that Maui County has grown tremendously over the past 10 years, there may be a change in pick up dates in other communities. You will be notified if you service is changed.

6. Will I be able to put all my trash in the new cart?

In most cases you will have no problem. Research has shown that very few Maui households use their quota of six 32 gallon cans. In addition, a single large cart will hold much more trash than 3 of the smaller 32 gallon containers. Many other communities on Maui have already made a successful transition. Complaints from residents have been minimal.

Remember only refuse placed in the new cart will be picked up. No bulky or heavy items B large tree limbs, appliances, furniture, engine parts, concrete, concrete blocks, rocks, soil, scrap wood, or construction materials should be placed into the cart. No loose trash bags will be picked up.

7. What if I can't fit all my trash in the new cart?

First and foremost try to reduce the amount of waste you generate. Buy products that are durable and long lasting, such as re-usable shopping bags and reduce purchases of disable items such as disable cameras and lighters. Donate items that you can no longer use but may be usable by others.
Then Recycle whatever you can. The County provides convenient drop-off sites around the island for recycling.
Residents should also separate their yard trimmings and take them to the Central Maui Landfill for Composting.

8. What should I do with my old 32 gallon cans?

Residents can reuse their existing trash in home composting systems, as storage containers, planters and other household uses. The County will be providing a free pickup service for those residents who would like to dispose of their old trash cans. Hold onto your cans until your receive notification of the pickup day. Old containers will not be accepted for disposal at curbside or the landfill.

9. What if I want an additional cart?

An additional cart is only available to residences with a physically separate ohana (cottage) and will require a second account including payment of an additional $216/year fee.

10. What happens if I damage or lose my cart?

The carts provided will remain the property of the County, and the County will be responsible for repair or replacement due to normal wear and tear. However, if the cart is lost or damaged due to negligence it will be the responsibility of the homeowner to pay for replacement. The cost of replacement is $100.

11. Who should I contact if I move or wish to close my account?

Before you move, contact the Solid Waste Division at 270-1731 to relocate or close your account. If you move within the automated area and transfer your account you will be instructed to take your cart to your new residence. However if you close your account or move out of the automated area you must arrange to have your cart picked up by Solid Waste Division.

12. Can I leave my cart at the curb permanently?

No, all carts must be removed from the curbside and returned to the homeowners property by the end of the collection day.

13. Will the new automated collection system result in the loss of jobs?

No, rather than cutting existing positions, automation will allow the County to reduce overtime, minimize missed collection days, and provide appliance pick-up. Ultimately the County will be able to provide additional services such as green waste collection bulky item pick-up and increased recycling services.

14. What is the real cost of refuse collection?

Currently Maui residents pay only a fraction of the real cost of collecting and disposing of their refuse. Costs vary with the amount placed at the curb for collection and the distance of the community from the landfill, but on and average the cost to provide residential collection service, including the cost of disposal at the landfill is approximately $480 per household per year. With the residential refuse collection fee set at $216 per year, roughly $264 per year is subsidized from the General Fund.

15. When are refuse payments due?

The billing year is July 1 to June 30. Payment must be made either annually or in two six month increments. Payment for the full year, $216 ($108 for Lanai), must be made by July 1. Payment for six month periods, $108 ($54 for Lanai), must be made by July 1 and January 1.

16. Why haven't I been billed in the past?

Refuse collection service is voluntary. Customers are required to complete an application for an account with the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division. Only customers with completed applications are billed for services. Only paid customers are listed on Solid Waste Division's Refuse Collection pick-up listings.

17. How soon will service begin after a bill is paid or an account is established?

It can start within approximately ten days, or sometimes sooner.

18. Can I pay with a credit card?

Not at this time.
However, County officials are exploring an option similar to the arrangement whereby the Internal Revenue Service accepts payments by charge card service. An additional fee for using charge cards is seen as a drawback.

19. Can I pay my refuse bill at local banks?

This method of payment is not available. The County's billing form has a pre-addressed return envelope for easy payment. Other payment methods are being studied.

20. Why isn't the refuse collection fee included in the water utility bill as it is in some communities on the Mainland?

The County's Department of Water Supply has been relying on Honolulu's water department for billing services, and its system doesn't accommodate a refuse collection fee for Maui.

21. How much does it cost for residential dumping at the county landfill?

There is no charge for residential dumping of refuse, green waste, or recyclables.

22. Do I need a separate account for a separate cottage on the same lot?

No, as long as the amount of refuse can be contained by the twice weekly collection of the single 95 gallon cart for the address. If not, the account holder may open a second account for use by the cottage residents. Please note, a second account may be opened for a single address ONLY if the ohana is completely separated from the primary home on the property.