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Tips for Recycling Program Success

An effective and well-run onsite recycling program depends heavily on the involvement and knowledge of the multi-family property manager and supporting staff members. Consider the following when planning and implementing a recycling program.

Identify a Program Leader

The program leader oversees all program elements. This individual is responsible for leading the implementation of the recycling program, monitoring service from the contracted hauler, keeping occupants informed, and reporting information to the City as required by the ordinance.

Enlist Support from Staff

Enlisting support from team members is critical to the sustainability and effectiveness of a recycling program. Ensure every staff member understands the requirements of the program. Staff may need to assist with communicating program details to new and existing occupants, developing informational material, increasing program awareness, and motivating occupants to participate.

Educate Residents

Provide recycling program information to all existing and new occupants. This step is extremely important, especially if a mandatory recycling requirement is included on the lease agreement. Additionally, all occupants must be informed if any change is made to the property’s recycling program. Information should clearly explain all aspects of the program. In general, occupants should be informed of the following:

  • Benefits of recycling
  • Type of materials accepted in recycling containers
  • Locations of recycling containers throughout the complex

Encourage Recycling Behaviors

To encourage recycling efforts and discourage noncompliant recycling behaviors, multi-family property owners / managers may consider including a recycling requirement in new lease agreements. Lease addendum example for current occupants:

Additional Terms of Lease

This addendum states the addition of the following terms and conditions to be incorporated into the original lease agreement. Recycling Collection:

  1. Program Notification. [ENTER NAME OF PROPERTY] has instituted a recycling collection service. New and existing occupants are informed about the program.
  2. Recycling Interior and Exterior Containers. Interior containers are provided to all existing occupants and new occupants upon moving in. Interior containers remain the property of [ENTER NAME OF PROPERTY] after the tenant has moved. Exterior collection recycling containers are located throughout the property. A map of container location and list of accepted recyclable materials are provided to new and existing occupants.

This addendum is effective starting (MM/DD/YYYY) _____/_____/_____.

Tenant Acknowledgment

I have been notified of [ENTER NAME OF PROPERTY] recycling program. ________ (initial here)

I have been provided with a list of accepted and not accepted items and have been instructed on where recycling containers are located throughout the property. _______ (initial here)