It’s been an extraordinary 10-year run!
On the job since 2013, the Windward Zero Waste School Hui set the standard for on-site Resource Recovery by diverting tons of waste and creating rich soil amendments on five Kailua campuses, but the time has come to close this chapter. As of August 1, 2023, Windward Zero Waste School Hui has ceased operations as a project operating under the fiscal sponsorship of Oahu Resource Conservation & Development Council.
Our deepest appreciation and shout out goes to Oʻahu RC&D, who provided expert guidance and made it possible for us to receive and successfully manage grants and gifts. To each of you who contributed to and supported our cause over the years, our warmest mahalo.
Our next adventure awaits – we will keep you posted on our progress! Please stay in touch as we explore new ways to serve, innovate, inspire, and grow our special brand of garbage-to-gold excellence.
Imua!
Growing Oʻahu’s vermicomposting community one household at a time
The Windward Zero Waste School Hui was a partnership of Windward Oahu schools working cooperatively in the pursuit of waste reduction, soil restoration, and applied environmental education. All members participated annually in the U.S. EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge and adhere to strict, safe, standardized operational procedures called the Ka’ohao Protocol.
Every day, a professional team of Resource Recovery Specialists collected all organic waste generated on school campuses – especially food, but also including paper, cardboard, and green waste – and composted it on site to create nutrient-rich soil amendments. Essentially, garbage to gold!
Five participating schools in 2018-2023 included Ka’ohao Elementary Public Charter School (formerly Lanikai Elementary), Ka’elepulu Elementary, Kainalu Elementary, Enchanted Lake Elementary, and Kailua Intermediate School.
Total Resource Recovered From All Schools
| Year | Total (lbs) | Total (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25,911 | 13.0 |
| 2023 | 71,019 | 35.5 |
| 2022 | 125,817 | 62.9 |
| 2021** | 115,746 | 57.9 |
| 2020* | 47,164 | 23.6 |
| 2019 | 108,703 | 54.4 |
| 2018 | 85,076 | 42.5 |
| 2017 | 62,198 | 31.1 |
| 2016 | 25,263 | 12.6 |
| 2015 | 14,591 | 7.3 |
| 2014 | 1,049 | 0.5 |
| Total | 682,537 | 341.3 |
* Schools closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic
** Breakfast and Lunch provided for free
Total Resource Recovered By Technology
| Year | HC* (lbs) | VC* (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12,326 | 13,585 |
| 2023 | 49,809 | 21,210 |
| 2022 | 107,456 | 18,361 |
| 2021 | 98,039 | 17,835 |
| 2020 | 33,780 | 13,384 |
| 2019 | 98,935 | 9,768 |
* HC-Hot Composting, VC-Vermicomposting
Hot Compost Harvested
| Year | Total* (cu.ft.) | Total* (cu.yd.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 908 | 33.6 |
| 2023 | 2,103 | 77.9 |
| 2022 | 1,294 | 47.9 |
| 2021 | 1,029 | 38.1 |
| 2020 | 1,448 | 53.6 |
| 2019 | 1,433 | 53.1 |
*Total from all schools
Vermicompost Harvested
| Year | Total* (cu.ft.) | Total* (cu.yd.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 27 | 1.0 |
| 2023 | 78 | 2.9 |
| 2022 | 92 | 3.4 |
| 2021 | 78 | 2.9 |
| 2020 | 93 | 3.4 |
| 2019 | 59 | 2.2 |
*Total from all schools