HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services is now accepting public reservations for its Tour de Trash: Recyclers and Waste Processors Tour on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The tour offers residents a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Oʻahu’s waste is managed, recycled, and transformed into energy and useful products.
This comprehensive tour provides an eye-opening educational experience that follows the path of our `ōpala – mixed recyclables, green waste, and trash – from curbside collection to final processing at various waste management and recycling facilities across the island.
“By seeing the process up close, people gain a better understanding of how their choices at home directly impact our environment,” said Roger Babcock, Department of Environmental Services Director. “Itʻs a great way to inspire more mindful habits that benefit the entire community.”
TOUR INFORMATION
- Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Time: 7:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Start/Finish Location: Kapolei Hale
- Optional: “Talk Story” session following the tour
- Reservation Deadline: Thursday, August 14, 2025
- Register: Click here to register or call (808) 768-3200, ext. 7
- Age Requirement: 12+ (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
- Cost: FREE (includes round-trip bus transportation)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Participants will visit four key sites:
- RRR Recycling Services – Observe how Oʻahu’s curbside recyclables are sorted and prepped for shipment, including paper, plastics, metals, and glass.
- H-POWER – Tour Oʻahu’s waste-to-energy facility, where trash is incinerated to generate up to 70 megawatts of power, enough for 60,000 homes.
- Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill – Learn about the environmental systems in place at Oʻahu’s only municipal landfill, including leachate collection and methane processing.
- Hawaiian Earth Recycling (HER) – Discover how green waste is transformed into high-quality compost and mulch for reuse across the island.
IMPORTANT PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
- Arrival: Please arrive 20–30 minutes early to check in and complete necessary forms.
- Waivers & ID: All participants must present ID and sign permission/liability waivers.
- Physical Activity: Be prepared for stairs, walking, standing, and exposure to dust and fumes.
- Dress Code: Covered shoes, pants, and long sleeves are mandatory. Improper attire may result in denial of access.
- What to Bring: Water and snacks (lunch not provided).
- Space is limited. Reservations are first-come, first-served. Please only register if you fully intend to attend. A no-show takes a spot from someone on the waitlist.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Tour de Trash was created in 1998 by the City’s Department of Environmental Services to promote public awareness and education about Oʻahu’s solid waste management and recycling processes. City staff provide tour guidance and planning, while participating facilities donate their time and expertise as tour partners and sponsors.
Each tour site offers in-depth insights and live demonstrations of the work being done daily to keep Oʻahu clean, sustainable, and energy-efficient. Whether you’re a student, community advocate, or just curious about where your waste goes, this tour is a valuable learning opportunity. Additional information can be found here https://www.honolulu.gov/env/ref/tour-de-trash/
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