RECYCLING INFORMATION FOR OWNERS
OF 
APARTMENTS AND CONDOMINIUMS
(A Guide To Mandatory Recycling In Dutchess County)

WHY IS DUTCHESS COUNTY MOVING TO RECYCLING?

Recycling is also important in order to conserve energy and natural resources and reduce pollution.  Recycling paper can reduce water use by 60%, energy use by 70%, and pollutants by 50 %.

Finally, the New York State Solid Waste Management Act of 1988 requires all municipalities to have mandatory source separation (recycling) programs in place by September 1, 1992.

WHAT DOES THE MANDATORY RECYCLING LAW SAY?

Items required to be recycled include:

The law went into effect January 1, 1991, except for commercial establishments which must begin to recycle as of July 1, 1991.  Apartment and condominium complexes must also begin recycling as of July 1, 1991.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECYCLING UNDER THE LAW?

Everyone has a responsibility to participate in the recycling program.

Tenants are responsible for separating the recyclable materials at the source.  They are responsible for keeping recyclable material out of the trash and properly preparing it for collection.

Owners and/or managers of every multi-family housing building or complex are responsible for providing and maintaining a recycling "drop-off" area within the complex where residents can deposit recyclables.  In addition, the owner and/or manager of the complex must arrange for the proper collection of the recyclable materials from these areas.  For condominiums, it is the condominium association's responsibility to establish drop-off sites and ensure collection.

Carting companies which collect trash from complexes are responsible for the proper collection of the recyclable materials.  They are required to collect the separated recyclables and retain them separately from trash.  In addition, they should not collect trash unless the recyclable materials have been removed from it.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR RECYCLING PROGRAM

Contact the carting company that now collects the trash from your complex to discuss recycling options.  You will need to discuss:  where the recyclables will be collected from within your complex; when they will be collected (note: It is highly recommended that you get the collection schedule in writing); and how they will be collected.  (Will the carter provide your complex with additional dumpsters or smaller barrels?  Will residents be able to use the site at any time, or will they be expected to put recyclables out only on specific days?)

Each apartment and condominium complex will be slightly different, and there are many ways that you can set up the recycling program.  It's up to you and your carter to work together to figure out the most convenient and economical system for your complex. 2.  Set Up A Procedure To Monitor The Recycling Containers:

It is very likely that your residents will make mistakes when recycling and that trash or other unacceptable items will end up in the recycling containers.  Recycling containers with too many non-recyclables in them may have to be disposed of as trash.  This will create problems for your carter and may increase your costs.

Set up a monitoring procedure to make sure that contaminants are removed.  This may mean having your maintenance crews, groundskeepers, or custodial staff check the recycling containers daily.

To avoid contamination problems, you should make sure that the recycling containers are clearly marked and labeled and that they can be easily distinguished from trash bins.  For example, make recycling containers a different shape, color, and size from trash containers. 3.  Educate Your Residents:

For recycling to work, all residents must know exactly what to recycle, how to prepare the materials, and where and when to put them out for collection.

The Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency (DCRRA) has prepared a Recycling Guide For Apartments and Condominiums.  This guide explains what materials to recycle and how to prepare them, but it does not contain the specifics of when and where to recycle within each complex.

As an owner or manager, you should make up a notice to your residents which explains when and where to recycle.  You should distribute this notice and a copy of the Recycling Guide to all residents of your complex.

You should also make sure that any new resident moving into the complex receives the necessary recycling information.  Also, it helps to remind residents about the program through memos, letters, newsletters, or other mailings.

You may also want to include the recycling requirement in lease agreements.

4.  Technical Assistance Is Available:

For copies of the Apartment and Condominium Recycling Guide and other sample educational materials, call the Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency at (845) 463-6020.

For more information about recycling for owners of apartments and condominiums,
call us at (845) 463-6020 or email us: