How do I start recycling in a apartment complex?

Question

I am the resident manager and would like to start a recycling program in our apartment complex. I placed small garbage cans by the mailboxes for paper products, but what else would help the tenants do their part when it comes to the laundry detergent bottles, plastic bottles and other items?

Answer 1

We just moved to an apartment complex and I thought the same recently.  People are terrible about just leaving junk mail on the floor and I wish we had a small garbage can there too.  We have a trailer thing a couple blocks from us for recycling but I doubt anyone here uses it by the look inside our dumpster.  I wish they would put one next to our dumpster/  maybe you could do that.  Maybe make some type of one for those plastic and cans.  I think people are just too lazy to take it a few blocks.  You might want to send them a flier about it.

If it directly effects your garbage pick up (money) , you might use that as incentive to help keep down costs and possibly keep their rents lower.  Unfortunately our rent isn't tied into it or the town doesn't require recycling to hold down costs.  The only thing they have for the can usage in this town is a drop off for to upkeep the parks.

Also you might want to put on that flier a web site for recycling.  It would cut down on the furniture and other things being thrown in the dumpster.  A great one is recycle.com and you can get it by your zip code. Check it out.  I also belong to another web site.  (City's name) Sell it cheap.com.  you could even start one yourself.  Both are under Yahoo groups and free to join,. Everything on there is suppose to be free or under $50.  They have everything from furniture, stoves, exercise equipment, pets, etc,  The idea of all of them is to keep it out of land fills.

Answer 2

Contact your local Solid Waste management department and see if there are programs available in your area. Also check out local recyclers, they may be willing to put bins for free at your location.

Go to www.earth911.org and get information on recylers in your area.

Answer 3

Depending on your city, some cities will provide residents with FREE Recycling boxes. If not, you can find them at a retailer store (Canadian Tire/Target) for a rather inexpensive price.

Once you have them, either provide each tenant will them and inform them to use the boxes.

OR

Place them at the garbage disposal location and state "Paper", "Plastic", "Cardboard", etc on each.

Unfortunate as it is, your tenants have to be cooperative in this matter. Some will be, some might not.

Good luck none the less! Good to see someone thinking green.

Answer 4

It sounds as if you've got the right idea already.  Place bins in the laundry room and around the complex.  Label them "plastic", "aluminum", "newspaper".  Hopefully, everyone will be responsible enough to put things in the right containers.  You might also write a note to each resident telling them what you're doing and encouraging them to participate.  If you get cash for the items which are collected, you might have a "block" party with the proceeds.

Answer 5

you have the right idea put more recycling bins out for items such as metal and plastic to help the residents go green

Answer 6

our local post office placed a trash can in the foyer for unwanted mail, it is also a good way for people to get extra coupons from those that don't want them.

you would be surprised how many aluminum cans you would get just by putting a separate bin for cans in the laundry room, you could also put one there for plastic.

you could also place bins at the end of each hallway.

or just start a contest for the tenants.