Opinion: Throwing Away Your Own Trash Is an Option

Photo byBarthelemy de MazenodonUnsplash

Recent news about trash pickup revealed that some residents in Waikiki feel unhappy with the Honolulu Disposal Service's trash pickup times. The Honolulu Disposal Service is a privately owned company that has been serving Honolulu since 1967.

Condominium buildings contract Honolulu Disposal Service to pick up trash for the tenants in Waikiki and the surrounding area. Some residents have discussed their concern with the city and county of Honolulu about having the private company pick up trash at a later time in the heavily densely populated area.

The residents protesting the early pick times have requested that the City and County of Honolulu intervene and resolve the issue.

"The Honolulu City Council reportedly could pass a law or have a contract with the private refuse haulers to protect residents from trash pickups before six."

It's never a good idea to tell a company how to run its business because government regulations will cause inefficiency. That could, in turn, cause the Honolulu Disposal Service to raise its rates. That would mean the condo owners who pay maintenance fees and have agreements with the Honolulu Disposal Service could see their maintenance fee increase as a result of a new law imposed on the company.

But here is one option for the residents who are not happy with the pickup times of Honolulu Disposal Service. They could throw away their trash at the various locations (source):

Convenience Centers

Waimanalo

• 41-241 Hihimanu Street; Phone: (808) 259-7182

Waianae

• 85-572 Waianae Valley Road; Phone: (808) 696-4203

Waipahu

• 94-071 Waipahu Depot Street; Phone: (808) 676-8878

Ewa Beach

• 91-1000 Geiger Road; Phone: (808) 226-2996

Kapolei

• 91-184 Kaomi Loop; Phone: (808) 260-2801

Laie

• 56-020 Kamehameha Highway; Phone: (808) 293-8714

Wahiawa

• 71-129 Wilikina Drive; Phone: (808) 621-3648

Transfer Stations

Kapaa - KAILUA

• 100 Kapaa Quarry Road; Phone: 768-4248

Kawailoa - HALEIWA

• 62-180 Kawailoa Road; Phone: 637-5511

Keehi - HONOLULU

• 606 Middle Street; Phone: 768-4884

Final Thoughts

Residents of Waikiki protesting the trash pickup times may be able to lower their Homeowners Association monthly fees by throwing away their trash at the many sites on Oahu. That way, they don't have to worry about early pickup times from the Honolulu Disposal Service.