HILO, Hawaii — Mayor Mitch Roth announced Hawaii County will receive a $1,522,130 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enhance recycling infrastructure and waste management systems in Hawaii County, specifically for a city-scale reusable food ware and refillable bottle system in Hilo, according to a news release.

The grant is part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative.

"We're deeply grateful for the EPA's decision to support our proposal to establish a groundbreaking city-wide reusable food ware and refillable bottle system in Hilo,” said Mayor Roth in the release. “This initiative is all about building the necessary infrastructure for our residents to continue forging a greener and more resilient Hawaii Island, where every citizen actively contributes to the preservation of our environment and sustainability of our island home."

The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management will steer the project to develop and implement the reusable food ware and refillable bottle system that will encompass the acquisition of “reuse collection bins, transport vehicles, crates, a dishwashing machine, infrastructure installation, QR code scanners, and a technology platform for efficient asset tracking and management.”

Hawaii County is one of 25 communities nationwide selected to receive over $73 million as part of the EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program. This grant and another available for states and territories, promote a circular economy by extending the lifespan of materials, products and services.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.