Bill > HB751

This bill establishes comprehensive goals and requirements for organic waste reduction in Hawaii, targeting a significant decrease in solid waste disposal through a phased approach. The legislation defines organic waste as compostable or biodegradable materials from plants or animals and sets progressive benchmarks for different types of waste generators to divert their organic waste. Starting January 1, 2027, large food-related businesses and vendors generating at least one ton of waste per week will be required to divert their organic waste, with subsequent tiers expanding to restaurants, schools, and state agencies by 2030, multi-family complexes by 2034, and ultimately banning all organic waste from landfills and co-generation plants by 2040. The bill also updates the state's waste reduction goals, increasing the target from 25% to 40% reduction by 2027 and from 50% to 70% reduction by 2035, aligning with the Aloha+ Challenge and United Nations Sustainable Development goals. Additionally, the legislation requires counties to incorporate these new organic waste diversion requirements into their solid waste management plans and provides funding for implementation, with the ultimate aim of dramatically reducing Hawaii's waste stream through source reduction, recycling, and bioconversion methods.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=751&year=2026