LIHUE, Hawaii — New markings on certain beverage containers say, “Recycle Bottle with Cap on,” but Kauai’s Public Works Solid Waste Division reminds the public that they’re not.

What You Need To Know

  • The HI5 Bottle Redemption program does not accept bottle caps

  • There are Kauai schools and nonprofits that accept donations of HI5 materials (no bottle caps)

  • Some people upcycle plastic bottle caps for art projects and artistic wall designs

The caps are not part of the “HI5 beverage program segregated rate” according to a news release, and cannot be correctly processed and baled at the county’s recycling contractor. Therefore, the waste division advises the public to ignore the recycle directions on bottle caps and not place them in the Kauai Recycles green drop bins or take them to HI5 redemption centers.

Kauai HI5 Redemption Center locations:

  • 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy. in Kilauea behind the Anaina Hou mini-golf, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays
  • 3460 Ahukini Rd. in Lihue (operated by Reynolds Recycling), 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
  • 962 Kipuhi Way in Kapaa past the Gather FCU in the Arzadon Industrial Center, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
  • 2810 Poipu Rd. in Koloa next to the Koloa Fire Station, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays
  • In Kekaha across from the old Kekaha Sugar Mill, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays

Information on the HI5 program is available online or call 808-241-4841.

According to the Kauai HI5 website, the HI5 Bottle Redemption program has a redemption rate of over 60%. Hawaii is just one of 10 states with a “Bottle Bill” program that allows consumers to return bottles and cans for a return of their deposit beverage fee. It’s five cents in Hawaii, but the amount varies between states.

Consumers can also donate HI5 materials to various schools and nonprofits (also without the caps).

Inspired individuals can also search the internet for “plastic bottle art” for hundreds of ideas for child-sized art projects, holiday decorations or scenic walls made with plastic and metal caps.

Sarah Yamanaka is a digital journalist for Spectrum News Hawaii. Read more of her stories here.