Orlando mandates commercial, multi-family recycling

Commercial buildings and multi-family residences in Orlando, Florida, are now required to offer recycling services under a new policy adopted by city council last week.

The new mandatory commercial and multi-family recycling program will be phased in over the next four years, providing enough time for small and large businesses to comply with the ordinance. Buildings will have to provide recycling containers, arrange for recycling services and keep records of recycling programs. Commercial and residential property owners must implement a program “that provides the opportunity to recycle to tenants,” according to the ordinance.

The new policy supports the city’s goal to become a “zero-waste community” by 2040. Beyond offering weekly recycling collections, monthly e-scrap drives, free backyard composters to residents and a commercial food scrap collection program to divert more waste from landfills, the city has been working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on Beyond 34, an initiative that sets out to improve the nation’s current 34 percent recycling rate.

Under the policy, new developments are required to submit a recycling plan in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy. The implementation plan allows time for small and large businesses and residential units to comply with the recycling mandate.

Within four years, all commercial and multi-family buildings must comply with the recycling mandate.