Investor · Bellevue PA · Member since 2016 · 52 posts · 10 votes
I am looking for ideas on how to handle refuse at a small, commercial complex. Right now we pay a monthly fee to have the garbage picked up on a weekly basis. We use a local disposal service for a 20 unit apartment complex. Often we will be charged additional fees when the refuse exceeds the capacity of the containers. A lot of the refuse is cardboard, bottles, cans and plastics. Adding recycling bins is an additional monthly cost for the disposal service. Does anyone have any suggestions for a recycling solution for a 20 unit apartment building in Pittsburgh PA?
Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
In MN recycling cost is added to water bill, some don't realize this, so check to make sure its not something your already paying for.
I agree trash is a major expense, we had our caretaker responsible for overflow and box breakdown. We sent reminders on trash but was always a headache at move out's furniture was huge issue,
Check what your monthly fee's add up to and see if a larger container would be a better option. Shop other trash haulers for rates.
Nothing more unsightly than trash clutter outside. If we found trash not in container and could trace back to apartment, by checking trash for a letter with address we would fine the tenant for not disposing of property.
Trying to get tenants to recycle is usually a waste of time but in your case since you would be paying additional fees you really need to weigh out the advantages cost wise.
Generally speaking recycling is a warm and fussy practice as it does not have mush of a positive impact overall. More than anything recycling simply increase the cost of processing garbage.
If you have to pay more to have your tenants recycle don't bother unless you can raise their rents to cover your costs + some.
Sherman Oaks, CA · Member since 2016 · 22 posts · 5 votes
9y
Make a letter to tenants letting them know that when throwing out large boxes to fold them and to not throw them as is. This will take less space in the bin if they are folded
Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
In MN recycling cost is added to water bill, some don't realize this, so check to make sure its not something your already paying for.
I agree trash is a major expense, we had our caretaker responsible for overflow and box breakdown. We sent reminders on trash but was always a headache at move out's furniture was huge issue,
Check what your monthly fee's add up to and see if a larger container would be a better option. Shop other trash haulers for rates.
Nothing more unsightly than trash clutter outside. If we found trash not in container and could trace back to apartment, by checking trash for a letter with address we would fine the tenant for not disposing of property.
Roanoke, VA · Member since 2014 · 404 posts · 203 votes
9y
Mark OGara my experience at 100+ unit properties is that adding recycling saves money. Yes, it costs to provide the recycling option, but the savings generated by diverting the recycling out of the waste stream is greater than the cost. We save money by reducing the number of pulls on the trash dumpsters.
Good idea on the letter to the tenants - was thinking of doing a trash etiquette news letter like break down your box, put your trash in a bag and put the bag in the container.
Thank for the post. I will have to check to see if a recycle container is less expensive than a trash container. I am sure we could fill up a recycle container ever week.
Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 102 posts · 24 votes
9y
Mark,
I had a similar issue. A building I bought had the same trash service set up, a dumpster that was picked up weekly. We were able to negotiate the pickup periods to be less frequent. This cut the cost in half basically. If you're having a problem with overfilling, obviously cutting down on pickups wouldn't help that issue. But, you may be able to upgrade the size of the container, which is pretty cheap in cost compared to the charge for actually picking up the trash. I'm sure the company would be willing to upgrade you, and you may even get a better deal by signing a longer term contract.
-Devin
Houston, TX · Member since 2018 · 20 posts · 1 vote
7y
@Mark OGara This catches my attention everytime. I've saved a Green Property Management book on Amazon that I want to read and get it's advice.
What are your thoughts of a community recycling program focused on scrap metal for cash? Give tenants a home with recycling options, keep property clean, and make a little extra profit.
I would also like to see about and a recycle plastics for profit on a multi family but that is a very hard service to find in Houston Texas. I assume they only want partnerships with companies that can bring large amounts of plastics regularly.