What does the city of Austin’s universal recycling ordinance mean to me?

On Oct. 1, the city of Austin’s universal recycling ordinance will be fully phased in, as all multifamily and non-residential commercial properties will be required to provide tenants and employees with convenient access to recycling services.

It’s all part of the city’s 2040 goal to produce zero waste—which aims to divert 90 percent of materials from landfills. The municipal law, which has been implemented gradually since 2013, mandates that affected properties provide the following:

• Sufficient recycling capacity • Convenient access to recycling services • Recycling services for paper, plastics Nos. 1 and 2, aluminum, glass and cardboard • Bilingual recycling education and informational container signs • Online submission of an annual diversion plan

Failure to abide by any of the five guidelines can result in a fine between $200 and $2,000 per deficiency, per day.