Multi-Family Stations: Single or Dual Stream?
Multi-family (apartment and condominium) residents comprise an essential and significant part of Gainesville’s community. Currently, there are more than 30,000 multi-family rental units within the City of Gainesville alone. Most multi-family properties in Gainesville have garbage and recycling collection services provided by private companies. Commercially-collected residential properties within the City of Gainesville must establish a recycling program that includes the recycling of all designated recyclable materials and is convenient and accessible to tenants.
If you live in a multi-family residence, you may have a centralized garbage and recycling station in your complex, which will either follow dual or single stream commercial rules and regulations.
Dual Stream Commercial
Many complexes have large 96 gallon carts or even dumpster size containers with signs indicating what type of recycling material goes in each bin.
Single Stream Commercial
Your complex may contract with a waste hauler that does not follow dual stream (Orange & Blue) recycling separation rules. This material is not processed by the County. With any bins, be sure to read the signs to recycle right.
Here’s what you should know about Multi-Family Property Recycling:
- Waste generators not serviced by a compacting dumpster, are required to receive garbage collection service no less than twice per week.
- Commercial-collected residential waste generators must arrange for items such as furniture, appliances, construction and demolition debris or any material not considered a part of the customer’s normal collection service to be picked up within seven days of being placed for collection
- Garbage and recycling containers are not to be filled to a height exceeding the level of the highest portion of the container body or rim.
- A recycling program must be established and recycling information must be distributed to all tenants at least once annually and to all new tenants on move-in.
- At least one indoor recycle storage container should be provided per unit (effective 10/1/2023).
If you know whether your property is enrolled in dual or single stream collection – you can find a list of accepted items below:
Dual Stream Commercial
Blue Recycling Bin:
- Aluminum & Steel Cans
- Plastic Bottles
- Glass Bottles & Jars
Orange Recycling Bin:
- Cardboard & Pasteboard Boxes
- Office Paper & Junk Mail
- Newspapers & Magazines
Not Accepted:
- No Plastic Bags
- No Styrofoam
- No Cups or Lids
- No Food Contaminated Boxes
- No Aluminum Foil or Pans
- No Plastic Wrap
Single Stream Commercial
Recycling:
- Aluminum & Steel Cans
- Plastic Bottles
- Glass Bottles & Jars
- Cardboard & Pasteboard Boxes
- Office Paper & Junk Mail
- Newspapers & Magazines
Not Accepted:
- No Plastic Bags
- No Styrofoam
- No Cups or Lids
- No Food Contaminated Boxes
- No Aluminum Foil or Pans
- No Plastic Wrap
Taking Steps Toward More Recycling Programs and Education
The City of Gainesville’s Solid Waste Division is available to help multi-family properties fulfill the requirements of the city’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling Ordinance. Solid Waste Division professionals are available to provide technical assistance in starting up recycling programs, reaching compliance with the ordinance, tenant education, and providing a listing of commercial service providers authorized to provide garbage and recycling collection services within the City of Gainesville.
Check with your property’s management for garbage and recycling options. If you’d like to view the full list of ordinances, you can find more resources at Multi-Family Property Recycling.