On December 12, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of Maui County to receive a $3,607,065 Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant to establish the first-ever waste collection centers on the west side of the island. With the implementation of this grant, at least 1,794 tons of materials will be able to be diverted from landfills and dump sites each year.

“This project addresses the critical need for collection centers in West Maui communities that were impacted by the 2023 wildfires,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division Director Claire Trombadore. “Thanks to this grant, the community will be able to reduce illegal dumping, divert more waste from their landfills, and help Maui create a waste system fit to the unique realities of an island.”

With this grant, Maui County will acquire two strategically located parcels on the upper west side of the island and develop two collection centers for green waste, recyclables, and large and bulky items. This project aims to minimize the disposal of various materials in the island’s landfill, including aluminum cans, glass bottles, cardboard, freon-containing and non-freon containing appliances, green waste, scrap metal, auto tires, lead acid batteries, paper, plastic, electronics, and propane tanks.

What They Are Saying:

“This recognition reflects not only the importance of strengthening our island’s recycling and materials management systems, but also the EPA’s confidence in our community’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “The opportunity to advance this vital work—improving sustainability, protecting our ʻāina, and building a cleaner, more resilient future for West Maui—is a distinct honor and a meaningful milestone for our county. This potential investment will make a lasting difference for our residents, our environment, and generations to come.”

“The County of Maui's Department of Environmental Management is grateful for this opportunity,” said Maui County Director of Environmental Management Shayne Agawa. “This project will enable the County to provide much needed services to residents who are still recovering from the 2023 wildfire. This project also aims to mitigate potential environmental hazards since these locations are remote and have historically been a target for illegal dumping.”

Background

EPA’s SWIFR grant program funds can be used to establish or optimize collection of materials; fund infrastructure, technology or other improvements; support and enhance end-markets for the use of recycled commodities; and/or increase the diversion, recycling rate and quality of materials collected for municipal solid waste. This initiative supports economic development in communities across the nation.