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DPW says multi‑unit recycling is required under state law; enforcement remains complaint‑driven
Summary
DPW staff briefed the committee on recycling requirements for buildings with more than four units, described complaint‑based enforcement and said roughly 10 complaints triggered enforcement actions in the last reporting year. Staff said proactive sweeps are not standard but could be considered with other departments.
DPW presented the city’s obligations under the state landfill ban and city ordinance chapter 79 subchapter 2 requiring recycling at multi‑unit residential buildings. Laura Stevens, DPW’s Recycling Program Manager, explained that the state responsible unit program and city ordinance require separation of prohibited materials and that the department investigates complaints and issues notices of noncompliance.
Stevens told aldermen the department receives complaints via the city’s call center or direct emails; DPW notifies property owners of noncompliance, offers resources, and may assess fines that escalate from $50 up to $500 if noncompliance continues. She said roughly 10 complaints were recorded in the last annual report and that most properties returned to compliance after outreach.
Aldermen asked whether DPW proactively inspects large portfolios or can require self‑reporting during licensing. Rick Myers, Sanitation Services Manager, said there is not currently a routine registration that would flag compliant multi‑unit recycling contracts but suggested coordination with licensing or inspection processes could be explored.
Committee members urged more proactive work in large portfolios, noting neighborhood impacts when apartment residents use residential cans, and requested follow‑up on the outcome of recent notices of noncompliance.
