UPDATES

Mr. K's Recycles Single-Use Alkaline Batteries!
     Single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D & 9-volt) don't contain mercury and so can legally be disposed of in the landfill. But they contain other toxic components that can leach into our soil and water. They can also be recycled into new products.
     Mr. K's has started a pilot project to collect single-use alkaline batteries at no cost to customers.
     Look for these colorful buckets to conveniently and responsibly dispose of your batteries.
     Learn more about what it costs to recycle a battery, and how you can help sustain the project and keep alkaline battery recycling free to everyone.
Spotlight on Our Recyclers
Lei Robinson: Helping Keep Downtown Hilo Clean
     Every Sunday for over a year, Lei Robinson and a group of volunteers have gathered opala around downtown Hilo. Lei and her beautification project were recently featured in Civil Beat.
     We asked Lei why she recycles with Mr. K's:
     "The workers are fast and friendly, and you get a fair price when they weigh."
     Mahalo, Lei, for keeping our island beautiful!
Webinar
What's IN Infrastructure Bills in Congress for Recycling?
     Join the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) to learn more about specific types of infrastructure that would be eligible for funding if specific Infrastructure Bills are adopted by Congress and the President. Bills that will be highlighted include the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs (INVEST) Act, the COMPOST Act, and the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
Mr. K's Recycles PV Solar Panels!
   Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, used to generate electricity, have an average life of 20 to 40 years, and panels installed going back to the 19080's are starting to age out. Many contain lead, cadmium, and other toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil.
   Keep PV solar panels out of our landfills by bringing them to Mr. K's for convenient, responsible and certified recycling. 
 WANTED: Your Gently Used Clothing Items
     Did you know that Mr. K's has a small thrift store? Clothing generally goes for 50 cents each, while items like heavy coats may be $1 - $5. Help redistribute your gently used items to local families.
     Bring men/women's clothing, shoes, jackets, etc., to the Office.
     We're sorry we are not accepting children's clothing at this time. We encourage you to visit the Keiki Closet (tel: 808-215-0311), which supports foster children. Mahalo!
Mr. K's is Hiring!
Join the Mr. K's team! Full-time and Part-time positions available.
  • Office Assistant - FT
  • Recycling Handler - FT & PT
  • IT Repair & Sales Staff - FT & PT
Mr. K's Does Newspaper!
Start the new year right by diverting newspaper away from the landfill and into on-island uses, such as mulching and composting!
  • Recycle clean newspaper
    (no glossy inserts/adverts, no oil or other stains)
  • Shred confidential documents
  • Purchase newspaper or shredded white paper for re-use

Sorry - No cardboard boxes.
Corrugated cardboard boxes and brown paper bags can be recycled at County Recycle and Transfer Stations for residents, or with other recycling companies for non-residents.
Recycling Tip: No Debris in HI-5s
Our goal at Mr. K's is to maximize the amount of waste that doesn't go into the landfill. To help HI-5's be accepted for recycling ...
  • HI-5 items should be empty of liquid or substance ("no debris").
  • Items don't need to be rinsed (but it's nice if you can :-) ).
Guidelines here. Mahalo for your help!
E-waste Recycling Updates
Residents can bring in their e-waste at no charge on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month to Mr. K's, or on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the Kealakehe Solid Waste Recycling & Transfer Station (RTS) in Kailua-Kona.  See our e-waste list of recyclables, pricing (for residents & businesses/organizations) and schedule.
  • Hilo @ Mr. K's:  Sept. 11 & 25, Oct. 9 & 23
  • Kailua-Kona @ Kealakehe RTS:  Sept. 18, Oct. 16

Quick Tips
  • RECYCLABLE: TVs, digital cameras, computers, etc.
  • NOT RECYCLABLE: Microwaves and heating/cooling devices (such as toasters and refrigerators)
  • No limit to amount you can bring
See a more detailed list of recyclables.

Enter to win Mr. K's "Countdown to Las Vegas" Sweepstakes!

Our popular Vegas Lucky Drawing has been revamped! To show our appreciation of our customers, from October 2020 until October 2021, each month 4 lucky entries will be randomly drawn to win a variety of prizes.
 Prizes include t-shirts, mugs, water bottles and other goodies with a recycling theme, as well as gift certificates. You may even win the Grand Prize* -- a trip for two to Las Vegas with room and meals OR a weekend stay for two in Kona or Waikoloa!  See some of the prizes here.

Do your recycling and redeemables at Mr. K's and enter to win today!

- 2020 - 2021 Winners Board -
Below are some of the lucky winners of Mr. K's "Countdown to Las Vegas" Sweepstakes.
Congratulations, Everyone!
*The Grand Prize will be randomly drawn from eligible entries received in October 2021.  Prize details in Official Rules.
**Must be 18 years or older at the time of entry and a legal resident of the state of Hawai`i to enter. Limited to one entry per person per day. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Official Rules of the Countdown to Las Vegas Sweepstakes can be found here or can be requested at the Office.
Vegas Photo via Good Free Photos
HI-5's: Clean. Sorted. No Caps.

If your items are unsorted, you'll be pulled to the side to sort your items, or you can take them home and return with everything sorted. Learn more about HI-5 Guidelines.
Thank you for your help in keeping everyone safe!
Support Your School/Charity with Mr. K's
Learn more about how you can donate your recycling funds to support your school, community group or sports team, and how you can post community announcements on Mr. K's lightboard.

Family-Owned Business Serving the Big Island
since 2009

     Mr. K's Recycle and Redemption Center, Inc., started with Thomas T. Kadota, who had grown up during the Depression Era and appreciated making the most of every resource. He repurposed the 20-lb paper rice bags to protect bottles at the liquor store, and recycled glass bottles for a penny a pound in the '70's and '80's. A county recycling worker encouraged his son, Roy Kadota, to open a HI-5 redemption center, since Mr. Kadota already had bottles and cans from the two Kadota Family businesses, Kadota Liquors and K's Drive In.
     Roy Kadota got to know Oregon's comprehensive approach to recycling when he lived there as a student. When he returned to Hawai'i, he was awarded government grants to purchase a flatbed truck and recycling vending machines, and in 2009, Mr. K's Recycle and Redemption Center officially opened at 815 Kinoole Street.
     The heart of Mr. K's is still Kodomo no Tame ni, for the sake of the children, and Malama ka 'Aina, respect our land.
     Mr. K's is associated is a charter member of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).

Location & Hours

Contact Info
  • 815 Kinoole St., Hilo, HI 96720
  • 808-969-1222
  • office@mrksrecyclehawaii.com

Hours
  • Sunday - Saturday
  • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Closed on the Following Holidays
  • New Year's Day
  • President's Day
  • Easter
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Saturdays
Scrap Material Drop Off
  • 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
.