Increasing Recycling Participation in Your Community
AWS Valet Trash Can & Recycling Bin
According to the EPA, there are 13.2 million multifamily housing units in the United States and approximately 52 percent of them are served by a recycling program. If recycling was made available to all multi-family units at least 847,000 additional tons of materials could be diverted from the waste stream.
Although there is no single model for a successful recycling program due to variations in building size, layout, resident characteristics, and trash disposal systems, there are numerous methods to establish a successful recycling program. The benefits of implementing a waste reduction program allow properties to decrease waste disposal costs, bring buildings into compliance with applicable regulations, help achieve local and state recycling goals, as well as make recycling accessible to more community members.
One of the most effective ways to ensure success is a city or state mandated program. The EPA estimates that 62% of multifamily housing recycling programs are already mandated. Mandates can include state or city requirements that offer waste reduction opportunities to residents; requirements that haulers like AWS provide waste reduction services; or fulfill requirements that alow all residents participate. Financial incentives, i.e. NOI for property managers and owners are usually available. Many cities and states have seen an increase in recyclables due to mandates; however, if your area is not mandated, here are several ways to implement a successful recycling program:
1) Outreach and Education:
AWS assigns your property a Recycling Team Leader. They are enthusiastic, committed and informed. We provide help & distribute move-in flyers/pamphlets as well as biannual, annual, or quarterly instructional flyers greatly increases diversion rates. We make sure communal recycling containers are clearly labeled. Flyers with photos of what to recycle and what not to recycle are extremely helpful, especially if there are multi-lingual residents.
High performing communities educate their employees and maintenance staff on the do’s and don’ts of recycling. Manager commitment, in terms of motivation and direct interest, directly correlates with resident participation.
2) Streamlined and Convenient Collection:
AWS Apartment Recycling Center
Renters want to live in a community that streamlines the recycling process to make it as easy as possible. This can be accomplished with multiple communal recycling bins placed near busy areas, such as near the pool, mailing room, leasing office, etc. User friendliness of the collection containers (e.g., visibility, attractiveness, prominence) and the location of the containers (proximity to the trash containers) are other things to consider that will increase participation. Buildings with 65 or 90-gallon carts generally provide enough room to store recyclables and allow for pick-up. According to the EPA, providing at least 3 containers per set-out allows for adequate sorting while decreasing contamination. We prefer screened-in recycling centers. Although it costs us a premium, the recycling center show well for future residents. Often times, since residents have unlimited 24/7 access, the recycling center can be unattractive..the opague corral warp maintains the utmost professionalism.
Single-stream or commingled collection means all recyclables can be mixed together and they don’t have to be separated. The more types of materials collected means the higher your potential recycling rate.
Additionally, AWS doorstep valet recycling programs are available. Our Valet Trash programs virtually eliminate contamination and increase participation since everyone can participate at the convenience of their doorstep. The Bonus is NOI..about $100-$175 per unit per year!!!
3) Monitoring Success:
The more a community recycles, the more cost-efficient recycling programs become. AWS Properties also receive monthly eco-notes on how to enhance performance and an insert for quarterly newsletter insert with community diversion totals. The EPA estimates that the average net cost per ton of multifamily recyclables is $177, dropping to $113 for communities with diversion rates over 20 percent. Keep track of the performance of a program (e.g., set-outs, number of containers, how often containers are emptied, quantity of materials collected, etc.). Communities that know this information are able to better target education efforts/outreach, which encourages participation.
The key thing to remember is that multifamily recycling is possible and can be effective.
AWS applauds National Property Management Groups (PMG’s) for going the extra mile toward Environmental Performance and continuing to offer renewable options to multi-family residents in concert with mandatory sustainable recycling ordinance.
Source: Multifamily Biz
Accelerated Waste Solutions offers Convenient multi-night Valet Trash & DoorStep Recycling pick up for apartment residents. After we divert and recover recyclable materials from the doorstep, we work with our partners to to insure reuse. AWS has testimonial backed, proven system that enhances participation, fights contamination, increases NOI & saves money. For like type programs, Contact AWS for Apartment Valet Trash & DoorStep Recycling regulation-compliant programs. The easiest turn-key sustainable option for Multi-Family Communities.
AWS provsed Valet Trash Services in Florida including Tampa, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, & Jacksonville. Texas including Austin, Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio & Arlington. California including Los Angeles, San Diego & San Francisco. The Carolina’s including Charlotte, Raleigh, & Nashville-Davidson. Georgia including Atlanta & Savannah. Alabama including Birmingham, Montgomery, & Mobile. Mississippi including Jackson & Gulfport. Louisiana including New Orleans, Alexandria, & Baton Rouge. Arizona including Phoenix, Scottsdale & Tucson. Virginia including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond & Virginia Beach.