File video by David Corrigan, Video courtesy Hawaii County | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

PAHOA, Hawaii: Pahoa’s state of the art Recycling & Transfer Station has received a bronze award from the Solid Waste Association of North America.

The organizations Excellence Awards Program recognizes outstanding solid waste programs and facilities that advance the practice of environmentally and economically sound solid waste management.

The award was celebrated at a small public ceremony today at the transfer station.

Big Island Video News was there in June of last year, when the newly remodeled facility was blessed after a $3.9 million dollar renovation.

The Pahoa Recycling & Transfer Station now features solar power and a catchment water system, along with alcoves to accept various separated materials.

Recycled materials were used throughout. Concrete from construction demolition sites was used in both construction and the landscaping of the site. Recycled and shredded tires were also integrated into the landscape design, along with crushed, recycled glass. It is also designed for modular expansion.

At the time, Puna councilman Fred Blas was pretty pleased with the results.

The winners – honored in 41 programs and facilities in 14 different categories – were acknowledged on August 14th at the annual WASTECON conference in Washington, D.C.

Terin Gloor, the county’s Solid Waste Division Chief, traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the award.

For 50 years, the Solid Waste Association of North America has been the leading professional education and training association in the solid waste management field.