A pilot project designed to gather data on yard trimmings that get thrown into rubbish cans will close Saturday, according to Department of Environmental Management officials.

The project allowed South Maui residents to make free greenwaste drop-offs once a week at Maui Earth Compost Co.

Environmental Management Director Cheryl Okuma said 4,000 loads were brought in over a one-year period, significantly reducing the amount of material dumped at the landfill.

Over the next several months, county officials will use the information gathered during the pilot project to evaluate the possibility of a curbside greenwaste collection program, she said.

Beginning June 1, yard trimmings brought to Maui Earth will be processed at the company's standard rate of $15 for the first cubic yard, plus $5 for each additional cubic yard for both residential and commercial loads.

Free greenwaste drop-offs are accepted at EKO Compost at the Central Maui Landfill on Pulehu Road, and at the Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Convenience Center.

For more information on the pilot project, call the Department of Environmental Management's Recycling Section at 808270-7880. For recycling information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/recycle.