Goals + narrow rules
Hawaii organic waste law
Hawaii has goals, not a statewide business mandate. Act 173 of 2026 sets organics reduction goals of 40% by 2038, 70% by 2043 and 100% by 2048, and county plans must address large generators. Honolulu has its own rule for large food businesses, in place since 1997.
At a glance Goals + narrow rules
Read the official rules (opens in a new tab)
- The law
- Act 173 of 2026 (SB2101) – goals only: -40% organics by 2038, -70% 2043, -100% 2048; county plans must address large generators
- Who’s covered
- Honolulu: hotels, restaurants, grocers, food courts, processors, hospitals above size thresholds
- Thresholds and key dates
- Act 173 effective July 1, 2026
- Local rules
- Honolulu commercial food waste recycling ordinance (large food establishments, since 1997); G.R.O.W. residential pilot (voluntary)
01 / City and county rules
Local rules
-
Honolulu
In effect- Who’s covered
- Large hotels, restaurants, grocers, food courts (5+ outlets), processors, hospitals
- Apartment buildings must provide compost
- No
- Key dates
- Since 1997
02 / Our job
What Melly’s handles
- Which rules apply to each of your Hawaii locations
- File the paperwork for you
- Set up pickup or a compliant hauler
- Keep your records current so you are ready if an inspector asks
✦ Where this comes from
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Laws change. If something here looks out of date, tell us.
These are plain-English summaries for general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source.
✦ Get a compliance plan
Get a plan for Hawaii
What do you run there? Pick all that apply.
✦ Let Melly’s handle it
Get a compliance plan
Tell us where you operate. We tell you what applies, then we file and keep you compliant.