Recycling gets easier for Dallas apartment residents
Recycling is much more accessible for Dallas residents thanks to a major vote by the Dallas City Council.
On June 13, City Council members unanimously voted to approve a Multifamily Recycling Ordinance. This vote will bring 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.