Tour de Trash offers a look inside Oʻahu’s ʻōpala and recycling journey

HONOLULU–The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is now accepting public reservations for its Tour de Trash: Recyclers and Waste Processors Tour on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The tour offers residents a behind-the-scenes look at how Oʻahu’s waste is managed, recycled, and transformed into energy and useful products.

This tour is designed to provide residents with a firsthand understanding of the island’s integrated waste management system and is open to everyone.

“Providing opportunities for the community to see how our operations work is an important part of building transparency,” Director of Environmental Services Roger Babcock said. “We want residents to have a clear understanding of how the system works.”

TOUR INFORMATION

• Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
• Time: 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Start/Finish Location: Kapolei Hale
• Reservation Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026
• Register: Please click here to register. You may also 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 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 30 minutes early to check in and complete the 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/

Department of Environmental Services
City and County of Honolulu
YouTube: @CCHNL_ENV
Instagram: @hnl.env
Facebook: HNL.ENV1