The high-waste approach involves leaving it somewhere, burning it, or burying it. Landfills, the symbol of the high-waste approach, have the proven reputation of preventing solid waste from degrading, not to mention attracting a lot of traffic, noise, and dust to the surrounding areas. The low-waste approach works in two ways: by attempting to produce as little solid waste as possible, and diverting as much solid waste away from landfills and incinerators. The recycling bin is the symbol of the low-waste approach, but it hasn't caught on enough in Hawaii to make a noticeable difference. Recycling accomplishes two important tasks: it reduces the waste that must be disposed of and it decreases raw materials needed to make new products. There are a number of problems with Hawaii's waste management system right now. Other than landfilling, there is little or no recycling by the government, and when there is, the recycling is inconvenient and policies are inconsistent. Right now there are a few hopeful procedures that are working but need to be improved. .
Currently, the high-waste approach of landfills is the most common form of waste control on the island. Waimanalo Gulch is a sanitary landfill located in Kahe Valley on Oahu. It receives approximately 800 tons of municipal solid waste and 600 tons of ash, a residue from H-Power (see below) , every day (4). There are numerous problems with this site. The extremely arid climate at the landfill has a limiting effect on the amount of beneficial leachate formed. This leachate contains undesirable or toxic chemicals that can be treated before it is released into the soils. Windy conditions also carry dust, odors, and litter into neighboring communities. The landfill also has a detrimental socio-economic impact on the surrounding areas, including the destruction of real estate property values. Waimanalo Gulch is a perfect example of the unfavorable and deleterious effects of landfills on communities and environmental niches.