Recycling plays a crucial role in sustainability efforts but at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the process is not as straightforward as it seems. Improper disposal of waste, inadequate signage and contamination of recyclable materials have made recycling a challenge for both staff and students.
One of the main issues is contamination in recycling bins. Across campus, recycling bins are often filled with food waste and mixed materials, creating difficulties for staff who must sort them. According to Miles Topping, the director of Energy Management at UH Mānoa, the university faces staffing limitations that make sorting contaminated items like food-covered containers unfeasible.
“We need better signage, better awareness. We’re thinking about doing training,” Topping said, focusing on the need for improved student knowledge and proper recycling behavior.
Some areas on campus, such as the Life Sciences building, feature bins that clearly separate trash, paper and recyclables like cans or bottles. However, other buildings, such as Gartley Hall, have more general “waste” and “recycling” bins, causing confusion among students. Henry Gabriel, Honolulu’s recycling program branch chief, believes this lack of clarity contributes to the problem.
“There’s no labeling on those bins. So what is recyclable? Is it your, your high five? This is a ‘Is it your white paper, your colored paper? Is it cardboard? Now, if it’s cardboard, how is it going to fit in there?’” Gabriel said, emphasizing that better labeling could reduce confusion and contamination.
Students have also recognized the need for better recycling practices. Chris Siebel, a freshman biology student, suggests that larger recycling events, especially for items like cardboard and tech waste, could increase awareness and participation. Meanwhile, Aradhana Shrestha, an entomology freshman, points out that many students dispose of recyclables without removing food or plastic components, further complicating recycling efforts.
Another significant challenge has been the security and maintenance of recycling bins in high-traffic areas. The Zone 20 parking structure once had ten recycling bins installed in Fall 2019, but these were removed by 2022 due to ongoing issues with damage, contamination and insufficient maintenance. The same issue has also affected the athletics vicinity.
Commuter Services had tried solutions like purchasing lids and locks for the bins but the problems persisted. Without sufficient manpower, they say there are currently no plans to reintroduce recycling bins in these high-traffic areas.
Currently, contaminated recyclables are sent to H-POWER, a waste-to-energy plant, where they are burned to generate electricity and the remaining ash is sent to the landfill. These are particularly the outdoor bins excluding the bins that are property of buildings.
While challenges persist, both Gabriel and Topping stress the importance of small behavioral changes and better awareness.
“All I’m asking is give it a little thought in everything we do … If you tweak it a bit, you generate less garbage, you’re on the right track,” Gabriel said.
UH Mānoa is exploring solutions like better signage and sustainability training programs but students must also play an active role in keeping the campus clean and sustainable.
Recycling at UH Mānoa may not be perfect yet, but with collective effort and awareness, improvements can be made for a cleaner, more sustainable campus and community.
Learn more at hawaii.edu/sustainability and how you can join the mission to keep our campus and planet clean. Sustainability starts with all of us.
