Turning trash into treasure: Hawaii nonprofit expands to strengthen sustainability

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As the debate over when and where to build Oahu’s next landfill continues, some are working toward phasing them out altogether.

Re-Use Hawaii is a local nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability and hopes to foster a circular economy through material reuse.

“The City & County of Honolulu announced plans for a new landfill, and this decision will shape Hawaii’s future in waste diversion and sustainability and directly affect our communities. At Re-Use Hawaii, we believe in less waste, more reuse,” said Executive Director Quinn Vittum.

The organization works to salvage reusable materials and return them to the community, and it’s the only licensed contractor in Hawaii providing deconstruction services.

“We aim to reduce waste by salvaging reusable materials, providing affordable resources to the community, and supporting green workforce development,” added Vittum.

Recently, Re-Use Hawaii opened a new location at Stadium Marketplace (4561 Salt Lake Boulevard) which was formerly Sack n Save, Castle Park.

“Our new location is three times larger than the previous warehouse in Kakaako, which operated for 18 years,” said Vittum. “It took approximately 260 truckloads to complete the relocation.”

A grand opening ceremony is slated for March 1.

Re-Use Hawaii plans to host sustainable businesses and other community groups that align with their mission.

In the meantime, the public is invited to come check out the new space Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The nonprofit said it’s planning to open seven days a week sometime in February.

To learn more, click here.

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