Vehicle Disposal

Overview

HOW TO DISPOSE OF A VEHICLE

Vehicle disposal requirements vary based on two things:

Different forms, fees, and documentation apply depending on your situation.
Detailed instructions for each category are provided in the sections linked above.

Information on reporting abandoned or derelict vehicles can be found in the FAQ section.

Please note that Puhi metals is not accepting electric or hybrid vehicles for disposal at this time. Please call (808) 241-4841 for more information.

More information on junking your vehicle through the DMV

For Registered / Legal Owners

Obtain the Junking Affidavit

Legal owners may dispose of vehicles free of charge by completing a Junking Affidavit(PDF, 36KB) downloadable here, or available at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Owners must surrender license plates and the certificate of title (or most recent registration), along with the Junking Affidavit form at the DMV office.

The DMV requests that you complete the top portion of the form before proceeding to the DMV window.

The Junking Affidavit Form form is only valid when:

1. Signed by the DMV
2. Stamped with the County Seal

Forms not signed and stamped by the DMV are considered incomplete/invalid. Puhi Metals will NOT accept invalid forms.

After receiving your completed and DMV-approved Junking Affidavit from the County of Kauaʻi, contact Puhi Metals for further instructions on vehicle disposal.

They will guide you on the next steps, including drop-off or processing requirements

Disposal Fees

Residential Customers

Disposal is free for residential customers. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID and a completed DMV‑approved Junking Affidavit.

Commercial Customers

Disposal fee required

• $235 per ton + $175 (fluids, no tires, including spare)
• $235 per ton + $325 (fluids and tires, including spare)

Applies to vehicles:

• Registered under a business or
• Deemed commercial or commercial sized, whether registered or unregistered

Must present:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Completed DMV‑approved Junking Affidavit

For Non-Registered / Non-Legal Owners

Complete the Waiver, Release and Indemnity Agreement Form

A Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement form(PDF, 230KB) is accepted if a Junking Affidavit(PDF, 36KB) cannot be obtained. This form is downloadable here, available at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV),

or can be picked up at Puhi Metals ($5.00 + Tax.) Residents using the Waiver form will be charged $60 + Tax ($62.83).

Residents must come in person before or at the same time a vehicle is brought in if they are using the waiver form to verify signature, and they must provide a photo of the front and side of the vehicle to junk. The waiver form must be completely filled out including the VIN. A fee of $10 fee may be assessed if Puhi Metals must photograph the vehicle and a $5 fee if Puhi Metals prints the waiver form for the customer.

• Fill out the first page completely
• Legibly print your name as Releasor
• Enter all required vehicle information
• DO NOT SIGN (must be signed in person at Resource Recovery Solutions, LLC)

Take Vehicle Photos

• Take 3 photos in total:
• 1. One (1) side view (any side of the vehicle)
  2. One (1) front view
  3. One (1) VIN photo
• Print and attach photos to Waiver Release and Indemnity Agreement form
• If photos are not printed, Puhi Metals will charge a $10 + tax photo processing fee

Disposal Fees

Residential Customers

• $60 + tax = $62.83

Commercial Customers

• $235 per ton + $175 (fluids, no tires, including spare)
• $235 per ton + $325 (fluids and tires, including spare)

Additional Fees

• Photo processing (if taken and printed by RRS): $10 + tax
• Printed form (if obtained at RRS): $5.00 + tax

Vehicle Condition Requirements

Before bringing the vehicle to Resource Recovery Solutions, LLC and/or before the Tow Truck arrives to pick up the vehicle, vehicles must be:

• Completely cleaned out
• Empty of all trash and debris (dirt, mud and green waste), loose car parts or loose tires

This includes all areas, such as:

• Passenger compartments, Interior and cargo areas, Truck beds, Trunks of vehicles

Non‑Compliance Notice

Vehicles that do not meet these condition requirements will be denied acceptance for disposal, no exceptions.

Bring to Puhi Metals

Once license plates and titles are surrendered vehicles must be transported or towed to Puhi Metals Facility for recycling.

Puhi Metals Facility is located at 3951 Puhi Road and is open Monday - Saturday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; phone: (808) 245-6919. Puhi Metals will require a copy of the Junking Affidavit or Waiver, Release, and Indemnity form in order to accept the vehicle for recycling

Tow Truck Operators

For towing of abandoned vehicles from commercial properties, operators will be assessed an administrative fee for utilizing the waiver form. It is up to the tow truck operator to pass this fee on to their commercial customers.

The County cannot tow abandoned and derelict vehicles from PRIVATE PROPERTY.

If a vehicle is abandoned on private property it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove such vehicles (HRS, Ch. 290-11).

Frequently Asked Questions