City of Austin MF Composting Webinar presented by Austin Resource Recovery
On Thursday, February 13th, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) joined the Austin Apartment Association for a webinar on composting at multifamily properties.
ARR provided an overview on the recently implemented requriement that all properties with 5+ units must start offering composting for their residents. This mandate introduced new requirements for signage, bin placement, and overall waste management planning for multifamily properties across the city.
To help properties navigate these changes, Austin Resource Recovery provided a detailed presentation covering:
- Compliance requirements
- Best practices for implementation
- Strategies for resident engagement
- City resources available to support properties and residents
Key Requirements for Properties:
- Weekly compost pickup is mandatory.
- Outdoor dumpsters and carts must be placed no more than 25 feet apart.
- Signage must be posted on all outdoor and indoor dumpsters, carts, and bins.
- A recycling plan must be submitted – you can submit yours [here].
- Education on composting must be provided to both staff and residents.
More details on these requirements can be found on the City of Austin’s Multifamily Recycling and Composting Requirements website.
Additionally, the presentation shared best practices for maintaining clean carts, bins, and dumpsters. For example, sprinkling baking soda into bins and carts can help reduce moisture and odor buildup.
If you have follow-up questions about composting or the URO, please send them to the city’s business outreach team at commercialrecycling@austintexas.gov for assistance.
Additional Resources
- Composting Education Webpage for you to share with your residents and staff
- Bilingual Educational Flyer which you can print, display and distribute, such as in the new-hire materials you provide your staff with and the welcome/move-in packets you discuss with your residents
- Zero Waste Block Leaders application information for your passionate residents who want to help your composting program be successful