The Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch (SHWB) of the Department of Health, works to protect Hawaii's lands from pollutants that endanger people and the environment, and rehabilitate contaminated lands. To ensure environmentally sound and cost-effective management of all solid and hazardous waste generated within the State, SHWB promotes pollution prevention and waste minimization, and develops proactive partnerships with waste generators and the regulated community.

By aggressive enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, this branch will assist in the prevention of releases and the threat of release of petroleum, hazardous substances, and other contaminants within our authority.

The primary services of the branch are provided by its four sections: Hazardous Waste Section, Solid Waste Section, Office of Solid Waste Management, and Underground Storage Tank Section.

Hazardous Waste Section
The Hazardous Waste Section regulates the handlers of hazardous waste as well as the transporters and processors of used oil. The section also promotes usage of environmentally friendly products through their Waste Minimization Program, and oversees the State’s Electronic Waste Recycling Program.

Office of Solid Waste Management
The Office of Solid Waste Management oversees state and county-wide solid waste planning, the State’s Deposit Beverage Container Program and the Glass Advanced Disposal Fee Program under HRS 342G; and conducts educational programs on the proper management and the source-reduction of solid waste. The Office of Solid Waste Management does not issue permits, but issues certifications for certified redemption centers.

Solid Waste Section
The Solid Waste Section regulates solid waste management facilities—facilities that store, process, treat, transfer, or dispose of solid waste, including but not limited to landfill, waste-to-energy, composting, recycling, salvaging, and transfer facilities. Regulatory oversight is conducted under HRS 342H, HAR 11-58.1 and through a permitting system. Solid waste permits are required to construct and operate a solid waste management system.

Underground Storage Tank Section
The Underground Storage Tank Section regulates the installation and operation of, and releases from underground storage tanks that contain hazardous substances, including petroleum.

To find a specific permit application, please use the Application Finder. You can also use the Organization Browser (on the left) if you know the section which is responsible for the required permit application.

Once a permit application is submitted, our primary goal is to process your permit application(s) in an efficient and timely manner.

We provide assistance with the permit application submission process. If help is needed, please contact us at (808) 586-4226.

HI DOH e-Permitting System - Solid & Hazardous Waste Branch