Multi-Family Recycling

Information For Property Owners/Managers

​**Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update:  All site consultations by Zero Waste staff to multifamily properties have been suspended until further notice. Code Compliance staff are still inspecting properties for compliance as required.  For more information please email DallasRecycles@DallasCityHall.com**
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Property Owner/Manager Requirements :

The City of Dallas Multifamily Recycling Ordinance requires multi-tenant property owners/managers offer access to either valet, dual stream, or single stream recycling service for their tenants.  The ordinance applies to properties with 8 or more units. 

In addition to offering access to recycling service, property owners and managers must:

​1. Use a permitted recycling collectorfor recycling collection service. 
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​The collector must provide containers and specific signage to be placed on the containers.  Container signage must be at least 18" x 12", be affixed to the front of the container, include information or a graphic indicating "No Plastic Bags" and that cardboard boxes should be broken down.  The containers must further include the words "RECYCLING ONLY" in 12" lettering with the chasing arrows symbol and contact information for how to report overflowing or contaminated containers.
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2. Provide a specific level of service. 
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  • Minimum capacity per unit:  11 gallons per unit per week. Use this handy Multi-family Recycling Capacity Calculator to determine if your property’s plan meets the requirements. 
  • Types of Materials Collected:  Materials collected must be consistent with those accepted in the city's single family residential recycling program.  Currently the city's recycling program includes:
      • Containers made of glass, aluminum, metal/tin, and plastics (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7)
      • Paper
      • Cartons, and
      • Cardboard
  • Frequency of collection:  Weekly (minimum)
  • Type of collection:  Collection may be either valet, dual stream, or single stream.  If trash service is valet, recycling service must be similar in nature.  If trash chutes or trash rooms are used, then recycling should be similar and convenient.


​3. Educate their staff who collect recycling biannually and within 30 days of hire on.
  • What is/is not recyclable   
  • Instruction to break down cardboard boxes and remove plastic bags before depositing recyclables into collection containers
  • Location of recycling containers
  • How to report overflowing or contaminated recycling containers to property owner/manager


​4. Educate their tenants on move in, biannually, and within 30 days of significant changes in service.
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  • What is/is not recyclable  
  • Instruction to break down cardboard boxes and remove plastic bags before depositing recyclables into collection containers
  • Location of recycling containers
  • How to report overflowing or contaminated recycling containers to property owner/manager
  • How to report access to recycling concerns to the City using 3-1-1


​5. Provide information (e.g. poster, signs) in common areas of the property to address.
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  • How to recycle at the property
  • Types of materials collected
  • Location of recycling containers
  • Onsite contact information to report overflowing and contamination


​6. Register property with the City's multifamily tenant inspection program and submit an annual   recycling plan along with an affidavit of compliance.  
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The Annual Recycling Plan must include:

  • Name of the permitted recycling hauler used by the property
  • Types of materials collected
  • Type, size, location and frequency of recycling container collection by the hauler
  • Site map of the property showing garbage and recycling container locations.  This is not required if the property uses valet recycling service.
  • Notation of any changes to the recycling program in the previous calendar year.


​Click HERE for the answers to Frequently Asked Questions.