Mandatory recycling requirements for multifamily properties are not new. AB 1826 was signed into law in 2014 and continues to be phased into full implementation today. The legislation set its sights high: by 2020 Californians will be diverting 50% or more of their organic waste from landfills, if all goes according to plan. Renters and their property managers at apartment units factor significantly into these goals.

Californians have used separate recycling bins for decades. Existing recycling laws apply to renters and help divert waste from landfills in addition to reducing overall costs at a property. The Renter’s Right to Recycle Act was signed into law in 2011 and requires paper, plastic, can and bottle recycling at multifamily properties. As the new requirements take effect, renters should get in the habit of following a few more steps in their recycling process.

For renters at multifamily dwellings of at least five units, the requirement is now to recycle organics, solid waste, green waste and landscaping spoils. However, recyclers looking to use best practices in sorting their waste should remember that containers and other food waste should not be included in recycling. Greasy pizza boxes will need to find another home.

Good sorting habits help save time and make managing different refuse types easy. Giving a quick rinse to drink containers can help avoid pests in an apartment and avoiding tossing junk mail into the trash will help landfills from filling up.

The bill that mandated these recycling standards also asks individual City and County governments to report every year on their organic waste programs to the state’s recycling department, CalRecycle. Your jurisdiction is on the hook for their recycling performance and should have submitted their 2017 report on August 1.
So what happens between now and the final deadline in 2020? And how can renters and apartment management ease the process for themselves?

To read the full story, visit http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/real-estate/san-diego-rentals/sd-recycling-20170907-story.html.

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