HI HR20

Urges the Department of Health's Environmental Management Division to ensure that destinations receiving Hawaii's recyclable waste for out-of-state processing comply with environmental standards outlined by the Basel Convention.

Urges Hawaii counties to ensure that destinations receiving their recyclable waste for out-of-state processing comply with health and safety standards outlined by the Basel Convention.

Notes that in 2019 Hawaii exported approximately 10.5 million pounds of plastic, 8.5 million pounds of aluminum, and 32.1 million pounds of glass and bi-metal, with much subsequently sent overseas for processing.

Establishes that the Basel Convention was adopted in 1989 and amended effective January 1, 2021, to require trade controls for mixed plastic waste not destined for environmentally-sound recycling, with the United States as a signatory but not a party.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, county mayors, and Director of Health.