Goodwill reuse collection returns to Kauai Resource Center on May 8

Usable goods that might otherwise be hauled to the dump will get a second stop at the Kauai Resource Center in Līhue on Friday, May 8, when Goodwill Industries of Hawaii returns to collect donations from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3460 Ahukini Road.

The monthly reuse collection is designed for the kind of household items that still have value when one family is done with them and another family can use them. The county says residents, businesses and organizations may bring clothing, small furniture, kitchen goods, children’s toys, books and shoes. Clothing and textiles do not need to be in good condition, so torn or stained garments can still enter a reuse or recovery stream instead of going straight to the landfill.

That matters on Kauai, where disposal is costly and space is limited, and where every reusable box, bag or dresser kept in circulation can ease pressure on family budgets and the island’s waste system. Goodwill Hawaii says the county’s reuse program is meant to divert unnecessary waste from the landfill, while donated goods help support free community programs statewide. In 2011-2012, Goodwill said it helped keep 12.5 million pounds of items out of Hawaii’s landfills.

The county drew a firm line on what should stay home. It will not accept e-waste, chemicals, medical equipment, appliances, food items, baby items other than clothing or broken items. To keep the site moving safely, Goodwill asks people to remain in their vehicles while on-site. Thrift stores and businesses that have larger quantities to move are urged to call ahead to arrange pickup service, a step that can keep bulky donations from being dumped or left to pile up.

The Kauai Resource Center is already one of the island’s main waste-diversion hubs, with battery recycling, fluorescent light bulb recycling, free compost-bin distribution and reuse drop-off. County reuse dates are set for Fridays throughout 2026, with additional collections listed for June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 11. Goodwill Hawaii says it has had roots on Kauai for 20 years, has provided job training, education, placement and tax-filing services for hundreds of island residents each year, and is seeking to fill six to seven part-time donation and production positions as the operation grows. The county notice is also available in large print, Braille or electronic form.