SEPA

Investing in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants
Community Grant Fact Sheet
Hawai'i County, Hawaii

Selected Grant Recipient

Name: Hawai'i County, HI
Project Title: Reuse Infrastructure for a City-
Scale Reusable Food Ware and Refillable
Bottle System in Hilo, Hawai'i

EPA Information

Region: EPA Region 9

Grant Funding: $1,522,130

Hawai'i County, HI will design and implement a city-scale reusable food ware and refillable bottle
system in Hilo, Hawai'i, designed by and for the whole community. This proposal requests funding
for reuse collection bins, transport vehicles and crates/totes, a dishwashing machine, Quick
Response code scanners, and a technology platform to support asset tracking and management, as
well as funding to install or equip the infrastructure. The project management, community
engagement, and technical expertise work is already funded through philanthropic grants. This
project will result in 1 million uses of reusable food ware in place of disposable food ware and
reduction of disposable food ware by 500 tons annually.

SWIFR Grants for Communities

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides the largest EPA investment in recycling in 30 years to
support National Recycling Strategy implementation and build a circular economy for all. As part of
the Investing in America agenda, this funding supports improvements to waste management
systems and programs, allowing resources to be used more efficiently and reducing the impact on
the climate. SWIFR Community grant funding can be used to establish or optimize collection and
management of materials; fund infrastructure, technology, or other improvements to reduce
contamination; enhance markets for recycled commodities; and increase the diversion, recycling rate
and quality of materials collected for municipal solid waste. These grants also advance the Justice^
Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow
to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.

EPA will make the award to the Hawai'i County once all legal and administrative requirements are
satisfied.

SWIFR State Grant Program Fact Sheet:

Hawaii SWIFR State Grant Fact Sheet

Highlights

•	Creates a city-wide reusable food ware and
refillable bottle system.

•	Serves a coastal community.

•	Creates five management jobs and 10-20
operations jobs.

EPA 530-F-23-007-PP

.ppa.gov/infrastructurp/SWIFR
Spptpmbpr 2023


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