Hanalei Transfer Station Halts Bagged Trash Service, Cites Equipment Issues

The County of Kauaʻi Department of Public Works reported Sunday morning that the Hanalei Refuse Transfer Station is temporarily not accepting bagged household trash because of equipment issues." As of 8:35 a.m. March 8, county officials said the North Shore facility remains open for other services while repairs are pending.

Regular station hours at Hanalei are 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., with green waste accepted from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the county update. The notice did not specify the exact nature of the equipment failure or an estimated repair timeline; county officials said updates will be provided as repairs at the Hanalei facility are completed.

Residents seeking alternatives can use the Kapaʻa site as it begins a phased reopening, with the initial phase scheduled to begin March 12. "Green waste collection has reopened, and the site will reopen in phases beginning March 12," county materials state. Initially, Kapaʻa "will accept bagged trash and offer recycling services for scrap metal, appliances, used oil, tires and propane tanks," with "services for loose mixed waste and additional green waste" to be added as remaining improvements are completed.

The county also noted a short-term pick-up option at the Kapaʻa Base Yard: "In the meantime, residential bagged trash is being accepted Friday through Sunday at the Kapaʻa Base Yard from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday is the final day for the temporary trash collection service at that location." The published language does not give calendar dates for that Friday through Sunday period; residents seeking confirmation should contact the Solid Waste Division.

Elsewhere on the island, the Līhuʻe Refuse Transfer Station and Hanapēpē Refuse Transfer Station "are operating normally, with all services available from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m." The Kekaha Landfill "also remains fully open. The landfill operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closes daily for lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m."

This equipment-related suspension at Hanalei follows a separate, earlier service change in December. A county GovDelivery release said, "The Hanalei Refuse Transfer Station will accept bagged trash only, no loose mixed waste, on Friday, December 12. The facility will be completely closed to the public Saturday, December 13. We anticipate service to resume regular operations on Sunday, December 14, from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m." That December notice described a scheduled maintenance event and is distinct from the March equipment issue.

For immediate information, the Solid Waste Division can be reached at 808-241-4841 and weekend updates are available at 808-212-4683. For media or further county comment, the county communications contact is CountyPIO@kauai.gov. The county said all locations are open daily, except on holidays, and reiterated that "updates will be provided as repairs at the Hanalei facility are completed.