Reusable Dish Library

Gathering to celebrate a birthday, graduation, retirement, or just because, is part of the culture of aloha and pilina that exists here in Hawaiʻi. Unfortunately, these pāʻina can generate lots of waste that goes into the Puʻuanahulu landfill. Using a reusable dish library helps the community reduce what ends up in the landfill.

The Dish Library project was founded and is still managed by Devin Brown, a University of Hawaii at Hilo Bonner Program graduate and student intern with ZWHI from 2023 to 2025. Thanks to the support of our community partners, Devin’s vision became a reality with the purchase of Corelle dishes, stainless steel tableware, and Mason jars—now available for community use. Borrowers are required to wash all items before returning them. While the Dish Library is free to use, a small donation to ZWHI is appreciated and helps keep this service going.

How It Works

  1. Request Submission (At least one week prior to the event): 

  2. Tableware Pick-up

    • Visit the location of tableware storage.

    • Fill out the tracking sheet.

  3. Event Setup

  4. Event Conclusion

    • Clean and prepare for return.

  5. Tableware returns

    • Make an arrangement for returning.

    • Complete tracking sheet

Download the “Procedure and Guidelines for Reusable Events” for more information.