OLOWALU, MAUI- After receiving infrastructure and safety upgrades, the Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Center will reopen today for residential refuse and recycling, the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management announced. The center's hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The improvements at the site include paving the area, pouring concrete pads for the roll-off containers, and installing safety rails and educational signs.

"I'd like to thank the community for its patience during the time the center was temporarily closed," said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. "The upgrades improve the safety conditions of the site and we're very happy that West Maui residents can return to using a recycling and refuse center in their area."

The following residential materials will be accepted for free: refuse, greenwaste, used motor oil, recyclables including glass, plastic bottles with necks, plastic bags, aluminum cans, rinsed food cans and cardboard. Tires and auto batteries will be accepted for a fee. Olowalu is not a HI-5 Redemption Center. To redeem HI-5 containers, West Maui residents should utilize the Keawe Street Redemption Center across from the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Commercial materials, appliances and metals will not be accepted; metals may be taken to Kitagawa's, Reynolds or SOS Metals. Residential appliances are accepted at SOS Metals for free.

The Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Center is located three miles south of Lahaina, mauka of Honoapiilani Highway. To enter the site, residential vehicles must be able to clear the turning radius and may not block the incoming lane, or they may be turned away.

For more information about the Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Center, call 270-7875. For questions about recycling, visit www.mauicounty.gov/recycle or call the Recycle Maui County hotline at 270-7880. On Lanai, call 800-272-0125, on Molokai: 800-272-0117.