City Mandates Recycling For Apartments In Zero Waste Initiative

DALLAS, TX — On June 13, City Council members unanimously voted to approve a Multifamily Recycling Ordinance. This vote brings the city closer to achieving the steps outlined in its Zero Waste Plan.

The ordinance, effective January 1, 2020, will require apartment complexes with 8 or more units to provide recycling containers to residents within visible distance of garbage containers.

Recycling options include dumpsters, bins, chutes, or valet recycling services, but must allow for a recycling capacity equivalent to 11 gallons, per unit, per week. Waivers and extensions may be allowed if they are approved by the director of Sanitation Services or director’s designee.

Owners of these multifamily sites will also be responsible for educating tenants on the recycling program implementation, proper recycling programs, and the types of materials accepted. Required materials are to be consistent with single-family residents:

• Paper
• Cardboard
• Plastics #1 – #7
• Aluminum containers
• Metal containers
• Glass

Recycling collection service businesses will submit annual reports beginning 2021 on the recycled materials collected from these multifamily sites by tonnage.

The new mandate is expected to make great strides for the Dallas’ efforts to ensure a greener future since more than half of its residents live in these multifamily complexes.

This report was compiled from a City of Dallas press release.
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