Waste Management - Keeping Hawaii Clean

Hawaii, August 8, 2006 – As households, schools and businesses in Hawaii look for ways to reduce the waste they generate to protect the environment for future generations, one unique web-based initiative is helping reduce and reuse–Freecycle™.

One person's trash can be another person's treasure. That's the premise fueling the Hawaii Freecycle Movement, a fast-growing, computer-based grass-roots group of reusers. Members pass their used and unwanted items to others to keep the stuff out of landfills. “Freecycling” is, essentially, an online garage sale -- without the sale. All items are free, and no trading or swapping is permitted.

Freecycle is a grass-roots movement that began in the United States in 2003 and has recently spread to communities throughout Hawaii. Using the Internet, Freecycle members give away and get items for free in their own communities. The goal is to reduce waste and save items from needlessly going to landfills.

“Re-use is often the most difficult of the 3 R’s to achieve,” says Paul Burns, Vice President and General Manager for Waste Management of Hawaii. “Freecycle is a practical way for people who have things to give away to connect with people who need specific items, thereby reducing waste and encouraging reuse at the same time.” Waste Management is the first corporate sponsor of Freecycle by helping the organization build and expand its on-line capabilities.

“Hawaiian communities have shown great enthusiasm for the Freecycle concept,” says Deron Beal, the founder and executive director of the Freecycle network. “Our partnership with Waste Management will help us plan for and manage our future growth, improving the Freecycle experience for Hawaii residents who want to get involved.”

“Members can give and get great things for free, and keep unnecessary waste out of landfills,” Burns said. “If you’re buying a new home computer and no longer want your old one – but it still works fine – you can offer it up for free to another person or nonprofit. It’s so simple: just post a description or respond to a member’s offer. After that, it’s up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to arrange a pickup time for passing on the treasure.”

There are several dozens of Freecycle communities across Hawaii. Items exchanged range from appliances to furniture to sports and leisure equipment, and can be offered to individual members or even local charitable groups. The only rule is that all items posted be free, legal and appropriate for any age group.

A local volunteer moderator runs each Freecycle group. Membership in the Freecycle Network is free and if there’s not already a group in your area, it’s easy to start one. To find a group near you or for step-by-step instructions about how to start a local Freecycle community, go to www.freecycle.org.

Waste Management, Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. For more information about recycling, log onto www.KeepHawaiiClean.com

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