Multi-Family Property Owners and Managers: Requirements

Starting January 1, 2022, the State of California, Alameda County and the City of Union City require that recyclable and compostable materials be separated and kept out of landfills under the State’s Organics Reduction and Recycling Law (Senate Bill 1383). 

Senate Bill (SB) 1383, which is implemented in Alameda County under the county-wide Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance (ORRO) and in Union City under Municipal Code Chapter 7.24, is part of a state-wide strategy to reduce methane gas emissions and address climate change by ensuring compostable materials are recovered instead of sent to landfills. 

For translated SB 1383 information and resources in Spanish (Español), Chinese (中文), Korean (한국인), and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) visit: www.StopWaste.org/Rules-Languages. 

What Does This New Law Mean for Me? 

Beginning January 1, 2022, owners and managers of multi-family properties with 5 or more units must:

  1. Subscribe to recycling and compost (organics) collection services. Contact Republic Services at (510) 650-3500 to start or improve your recycling and/or compost collection program. Did you know? Subscribing to recycle and compost collection services may help you realize cost savings as recycle and compost collection services cost 40% less than comparable garbage (landfill) collection service.  
  2. Place color-coded and labeled recycle and compost containers next to indoor landfill containers in common areas wherever these materials are generated.
  3. Ensure recyclable and compostable materials are properly sorted into the correct bin/cart by periodically inspecting the containers.
  4. Educate employees, contractors, and tenants about SB 1383 requirements at least annually. Additionally, inform tenants no later than 14 days after move-in and at least 14 days prior to move-out about SB 1383 requirements.

For translated information about this new law, visit: https://www.stopwaste.org/Rules-Languages. 

Who is Responsible?

Property owners and managers of multi-family buildings are responsible for complying with the requirements listed above. If the property owner enters into a written agreement with another party (e.g., a property manager) that contracts or arranges for waste collection service, that party is also responsible for compliance.

How Do I Establish or Improve My Recycling Collection Program? 

Recycling coordinators at Republic Services and Tri-CED Community Recycling are available to provide you with free technical assistance to help your community start or improve the recycling and/or compost collection program, comply with State and local regulations, implement waste reduction practices, and realize potential cost savings. Free technical assistance includes:

  • Assistance signing up for recycle and/or compost collection services.
  • Waste assessments to determine the optimal collection service level for your property and potentially achieve cost savings. Did you know? Subscribing to recycle and compost collection services may help you realize cost savings as recycle and compost collection services cost 40% less than comparable garbage (landfill) collection service.  Posters - Technical Assistance 
  • Staff trainings to ensure proper sorting, share best practices, and to answer questions.
  • Setting up indoor color-coded and labeled collection containers.
  • Educational materials such as posters, service guides, and outdoor/indoor container decals to educate employees, contractors, and/or tenants on proper sorting. 
  • General support to help your multi-family community maximize recycling opportunities and to reduce waste.

Contact your haulers and request to speak with a dedicated recycling coordinator for free technical assistance today!

Republic Services

Tri-CED Community Recycling

  • Phone: (510) 429-8030
  • Email: Info@Tri-CED.com 
  • Customer Service Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
  • Buy Back Recycling Center Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

More Information? 

When in doubt, find out! Visit our Multi-Family Publications & Resources page to learn more about waste prevention, proper sorting, and other available programs and services. For more information about Union City's curbside collection program, call Union City Recycles at (510) 675-5433.