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Hilo pilot plans island’s first large-scale reusable foodware system with $1.5M grant for infrastructure
Summary
A nonprofit–county partnership aims to launch a reusable foodware service in Hilo next year using a $1.5 million infrastructure grant. The plan calls for pickup, industrial washing, tracking and redistribution of stainless-steel containers; a contracted service provider will run logistics and businesses will pay a per-use fee.
Nonprofit partners and county staff outlined plans for a Hilo pilot to circulate reusable foodware across restaurants, schools and events, funded in part by a $1.5 million infrastructure grant and private support.
Jennifer Navarro, program director for 0 Waste Hawaii Island, said the project grew from community outreach that found limited consumer options for packaging waste reduction. The pilot aims to prioritize "rethink and redesign" approaches to waste by emphasizing reduction and reuse ahead of recycling or composting. Navarro told the committee her group secured an EPA infrastructure grant and additional private funds to support technical assistance, marketing and education.
Ku'ule (cultural advisor for 0 Waste Hawaii Island) described the…
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