The Blaisdell Arena will be something of a garbage pit later this week — but in a good way.

The city is inviting everyone to come learn about how trash and other waste can be recycled to help protect the environment.

The third annual Discover Recycling Fair, at Blaisdell from Thursday through Saturday, will feature dozens of exhibits and information booths, as well as fun activities and performances.

Guests to the free event can learn how a wide range of waste is transformed into new products, from fertilizer to artwork.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann this afternoon will announce details about the fair and an affiliated Youth Sustainability Summit.

"We all need to work together and do our part," Hannemann said in a booklet to be distributed at the fair. "This three-day event brings the world of recycling under one roof to help you easily find all the information you need to do more with recycling — raise funds for your school or organization, promote recycling in your community, teach about recycling in the classroom, or simply recycle more at home."

The fair drew nearly 8,000 people last year, including students from more than 40 schools.

Students on field trips will visit this year's fair on Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The public can visit on Thursday and Friday, from noon to 3:30 p.m, and on Saturday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

For more information, go to www.envhonolulu.org/solid_waste/discover_recycling.htm.