Residents of multi-family properties, including apartments and condominiums, make up an important part of our community. To ensure that residents in these properties have equal access to garbage and recycling services, the City of Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances, Chapter 57, specifies the requirements at these locations.
Never place plastic bags, garbage, or food waste in recycle containers.
A good recycling program can help you save money, keep dumpsters from overflowing, and make your property more appealing to new tenants. Posting clear information about what can be recycled is a great first step.
Collection
- Garbage and recycling services are provided through a licensed commercial hauler, with garbage collected at least once a week and recyclables collected at least twice a month.
- Garbage and recycle containers are placed in accessible and convenient locations for tenants. Whenever possible, have recycling containers next to or near garbage containers to make recycling easier for tenants.
- Garbage and recycle containers are properly maintained and have enough capacity to prevent material overflowing out of containers.
Recycling Information
- Recycle containers are clearly labeled for “Recycling Only” and have other labels stating — “No Garbage” and “No Plastic Bags.”
- Recycling containers are single-stream and clearly marked with information on materials accepted — ideally using labels with both text and images.
- Required recyclables include all designated recyclable materials (paper, corrugated cardboard, plastic bottles, tubs & jugs, metal cans, and glass jars & bottles).
Education
- New tenants are provided with recycling education at the time of leasing, and all tenants receive recycling education at least once a year.
- Tenants should be promptly notified of any changes to collection services.
- Recycling information is posted in a visible location on the property that all residents can access (e.g., gym, lounge area, laundry room).
Implementing an effective recycling program at multi-family properties can present unique challenges. However, with the right approach, waste haulers and property managers can significantly improve recycling participation and reduce contamination. Here are seven key strategies to ensure success:
Containers
- Use Distinct Recycle Containers — Have your waste hauler provide recycle containers that are a different color or style from garbage containers to make them easy to identify.
- Clearly Label Recycle Containers — Make sure all recycle containers are clearly marked with accepted materials and include messaging stating “No Plastic Bags.”
Collection
- Place Services Together — Whenever possible, have recycle collection next to garbage disposal containers to make it convenient for residents to recycle properly.
- Keep Collection Areas Clean — Maintain all waste and recycling collection areas tidy and free of litter to encourage proper use and improve appearance.
- Use Locked and Slotted — For locations with ongoing contamination issues, consider using locked and slotted recycle containers to keep garbage from getting mixed in with recyclables.
Education
- Educate Residents — Share recycling information with new tenants upon move-in and send ongoing reminders or updates through newsletters, emails, or posters.
- Promote Collaboration — A successful recycling program relies on teamwork between the waste hauler, property management, and tenants. When given clear guidance and the right tools, most residents are happy to participate and will appreciate your commitment to sustainability.
A property may use a mix of waste collection methods to best meet its needs.
Compactors
- Many large apartment buildings, especially in high-density areas, use trash compactors to collect waste. Tenants may carry their trash to the compactor, or in some high-rise buildings, throw it down a trash chute that leads to the compactor. Compactors compress the trash to take up less space, which reduces how often it needs to be collected. Recycling at these properties is usually collected in separate dumpsters or carts.
Dumpsters
- Dumpsters are placed in central areas around apartment communities so tenants can dispose of trash and recycling. They typically range in size from 2 to 10 cubic yards. In tight spaces, dumpsters may be equipped with large wheels for rolling them out to be emptied. Tenants should check posted signs to make sure recyclable materials are placed in the correct container.
Carts
- Carts, also called rolling bins, are wheeled containers with lids. They are commonly used at small to mid-sized apartment properties to collect recyclables. Often, carts are located next to garbage dumpsters in centralized areas on the apartment property. Tenants should follow the posted information on carts to know which materials are accepted and which are not for recycling
Valet Service
- Some apartment communities offer valet waste collection as a convenience for their tenants. With this service, a third-party company collects trash and recyclables directly from outside each apartment door on scheduled days. The valet staff then takes the collected materials to the appropriate containers on the property. Property management typically provides residents with small trash and recycling containers or bags to set out their waste.
Regardless of the service type used, it is important to prevent litter and odors by keeping dumpster and cart lids closed, and securely tightening bags. Loose materials in or around waste containers can attract unwanted pests, such as birds, rodents, and bugs. Containers with open lids can collect rainwater, attract mosquitoes, and cause unpleasant garbage odors.