Recycling Centers in Hilo, HI
Find drop-off recycling locations in Hilo, Hawaii. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Hilo has 5 recycling centers listed in this directory. Each listing includes the address, phone number, and opening hours where available. Call ahead to confirm accepted materials before making the trip.
Recycling in Hilo: A Local Guide
Hilo, Hawaii has 5 recycling options listed on recycling-centers.org, including the county's Hilo Transfer Station, HI-5 redemption and scrap sites (Atlas Recycling Center has two Hilo locations, plus Mr K's Recycle & Redemption Center) and a reuse nonprofit (Upcycle Hawaii). Important for residents: the County of Hawai'i does not provide curbside household rubbish or recycling collection anywhere on the Big Island. Instead, residents self-haul to recycling and transfer stations or hire a private hauler. See more Hawaii cities on our Hawaii recycling hub.
For drop-off, the county-run Hilo Transfer Station takes household rubbish plus separated recyclables like cardboard and non-HI-5 glass. For the 5-cent HI-5 deposit on beverage containers, redeem cans and bottles at a certified center such as Mr K's Recycle & Redemption Center or Atlas Recycling Center. For reuse and creative recycling, Upcycle Hawaii diverts materials from the waste stream. Check each center's page to confirm what it accepts.
Looking elsewhere on the islands? Our directory also covers Honolulu (20), Kailua Kona (7), Keaau (4) and nearby Waipahu (5). You can also browse everything on the Hawaii state hub.
All Recycling Centers in Hilo
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Hilo
Does Hilo have curbside recycling?
No. The County of Hawai'i does not provide curbside household rubbish or recycling collection anywhere on the Big Island, including Hilo. Residents either self-haul to a county recycling and transfer station or contract with a private hauler. Confirm current services with the County of Hawai'i Department of Environmental Management.
How much do you get for recycling cans in Hawaii?
Hawaii's HI-5 program pays a 5-cent deposit refund per qualifying beverage container (marked 'HI 5¢'), including aluminum cans and many plastic and glass bottles. Redeem them at a certified redemption center such as Mr K's Recycle & Redemption Center in Hilo. Payment is by weight or count depending on the center; confirm current rules before you go.
What does the Hilo Transfer Station accept?
The Hilo Transfer Station takes household rubbish for disposal along with separated recyclables such as corrugated cardboard, brown paper bags and non-HI-5 glass. Hours differ for drop-off versus recycling bins, and HI-5 containers are redeemed separately at redemption centers. Verify current hours and accepted items with the county before your trip.
Where can I recycle glass and cardboard in Hilo?
Non-HI-5 glass and corrugated cardboard are accepted in the recycling bins at the Hilo Transfer Station. Deposit-marked HI-5 glass bottles should go to a redemption center instead so you get the 5-cent refund. Accepted items can change, so check with the county facility first.