Trash & Recycling

Multi-Family Recycling Services

State Mandated Commercial Recycling Program On and after July 1, 2012, a business that generates four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week or a multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more shall recycle.

Using an approved hauler's recycling service costs less than trash service. All of the recyclable materials will be co-mingled in a container and no sorting is needed (Contaminated loads will be charged at trash collection rates). Recycling may reduce the property's needs for trash service, not to mention help Riverside meet its goal of reduced landfill consumption.

Individual residents of multi-family housing are not able to sign up for recycling service on their own. Housing managers will need to contact their trash service provider to have recycling service started.

If there is no recycling at your complex, you can encourage the management to establish a recycling program by letting them know it is important to you.

The City offers information to apartment managers who would like to educate their residents about local recycling options. Contact the Call Center at 826-5311 for more information.

Tips for Managers of Multi-Family Housing Recycling Programs:

• Recycling should be just as convenient as taking out the garbage.
• Place recycling containers in common areas such as the mail area and laundry room.
• Recycling and garbage containers must have enough capacity to hold the materials that accumulate between collections.
• If your garbage bin is consistently partially empty, contact your service provider or city recycling program to find out about getting a smaller bin.
• Make sure that your garbage and recycling bins are clearly labeled.
• Place posters and signage near the recycling bins and in common areas.
• Provide recycling information to your tenants at least once per year and to all new residents when they move in. 
• Know how to deal with common tenant issues like Household Hazardous Waste, Bulky Items, electronics, and motor oil disposal. Directing residents to proper disposal sites ensures these materials do not end up in landfills.

Businesses, apartments, and multi-unit dwellings may choose to receive dumpsters or multiple sets of containers, in appropriate sizes and quantities, based on their property use classification. Also, you are entitled to a FREE recycling and/or green waste container. Please call your waste hauler to arrange for dumpster service.

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