Hawaiʻi County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the launch of the Hilo Reusable Foodware Program.  

The selected applicant from the RFP process will oversee a community-scale system responsible for collecting, washing, and reusing takeout containers with the goal of eliminating waste and supporting the local economy.

This initiative is funded by $2.12 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and $600,000 in private foundational support and is done in partnership with Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program, and Perpetual.

 The operator will receive access to reusable foodware inventory and washing equipment, as well as funding for one-time setup and customization of the program’s software and digital infrastructure

The deadline to submit a proposal is April 16.

Interested applicants can access the full RFP by visiting the County’s Public Purchase website. Registration is required to view and submit proposals.