Mālama ʻĀina Compostables is the youth-led initiative of Recycle Hawaiʻi’s Recycling Education & Outreach (REO) Program. Our mission is to reduce the amount of plastic, recyclable, and compostable materials that end up in the landfill by designing practical, community-based Zero Waste solutions.
Through waste diversion programs, community collection events, education, and leadership development, we empower youth to protect our islands, restore our soils, and transform waste into wealth.
Launched in Spring 2024, Mālama ʻĀina Compostables began a three-year journey focused on building real-world sustainability systems for Hawaiʻi Island. While students are employed and supported through Recycle Hawaiʻi’s REO program, they operate under their own youth-created identity — leading projects, shaping strategy, and driving implementation.
Each year of the program centers on a theme that builds technical skills, community impact, and long-term systems change:
Year 1: Compost & Food Waste Diversion The first year focused on composting and organic waste recovery. Students helped implement and operate an in-vessel composting unit named Ho‘ohuli, transforming food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. This system demonstrates how food waste can be diverted from the landfill and returned to the land in a regenerative cycle.
Year 2: Marine Debris & Plastic Pollution The second year expanded into marine debris and plastic pollution prevention. In partnership with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, students organized beach cleanups and community outreach efforts. This year also marked the launch of the first Zero Waste Youth Convergence, bringing together young leaders to collaborate, share solutions, and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s youth-driven sustainability movement.
Year 3: Waste to Wealth Initiatives The third year centers on “Waste to Wealth” — exploring innovative ways to transform discarded materials into valuable community resources. By reframing waste as an economic and environmental opportunity, students are helping build a more resilient and circular local economy.
Mālama ʻĀina Compostables combines:
- Paid youth workforce development
- Systems design and hands-on infrastructure management
- Community education and outreach
- Advocacy and environmental stewardship
By centering youth leadership within real operational projects, the program builds both practical skills and a deep commitment to mālama ʻāina. Students are not just learning about sustainability — they are actively designing and operating the systems that make it possible.
Waste Diversion
Mālama ʻĀina Compostables is redefining what youth-led waste diversion looks...
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Student Advocacy
From school cafeterias to national conferences and international stages,...
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Collection Events
Mālama ʻĀina Compostables is taking Zero Waste off the page and into the...
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Youth Leadership for a Zero Waste Hawaiʻi
Recycle Hawaiʻi is building the next generation of sustainability leaders by empowering youth with real-world experience in Zero
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Team members
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Team members
Roxie Castaneda
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
Rojelin Capueta
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
Ahlyna Flores
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
Kona Smith
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
Waileia Uluwehi Kainoa Haili-Barawis
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
Elliot Grimm
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
Jessica Velasco
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
Devin Alpin
Zero Waste Youth Advocate
May
2,
2026
Youth from Hawaii and Louisiana Unite to Tackle Plastic Pollution
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May
12,
2026
Leave It Better Than You Found It: Zero Waste Events and What Hilo’s 2026 Hoʻolaulea Proved Is Possible
There is something quietly radical about throwing a party and leaving the place cleaner than you found it....
2027 Zero Waste Youth Convergence
Private: Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI, 96720, United States
12 am
Apr. 20 / 27
Triggerfish bango guppy opah sunfish bluntnose knifefish upside-down catfish cobia spookfish.
Halosaur duckbilled barracudina, goosefish gar pleco, chum salmon armoured catfish gudgeon.