UPDATE: Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance

As we have posted on the blog previously, San Francisco will have a city-wide mandatory recycling and composting requirement effective October 21, 2009. There are five mandatory areas that property managers need to address in the ordinance:

• Sign-up and pay for adequate recycling, composting and trash service.
  
• Have the appropriate number, color and size containers placed close together in convenient locations at your site.
  
• Educate and train tenants and employees on the program.
• Work with the hired janitorial staff or contractors to create an effective program.
• Make sure your building is participating in separating materials.

There could be fines for buildings that do not provide an adequate program (#1-4 above), but there will not be fines for buildings that do not properly separate all materials until at least July 1, 2011.

Please click here to review the ordinance and here for FAQs.

Please contact the San Francisco Department of the Environment at (415) 355-3768 if you need assistance in starting a recycling and composting program to comply with the new law. Your business may also qualify for the Department's Mini-Grant program that can help offset the costs of meeting the City's new refuse requirements. Please click here for more information and to apply.