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Planning commission backs plan to require recycling infrastructure in future MXD projects
Summary
The Syracuse Planning Commission recommended that the city council adopt a text amendment to require recycling containers and private hauling for future mixed‑use (MXD) developments, clarifying that multifamily complexes should contract privately rather than join the city curbside program.
The Syracuse City Planning Commission voted June to forward a proposed text amendment that would require future mixed‑use (MXD) projects to provide recycling capacity equal to 0.5 cubic yards per unit and to arrange private hauling of recyclables rather than relying on the city’s collection contract.
City planning staff explained the measure as a site‑design standard intended for new MXD developments that often lack driveways or private space for city carts. “Recyclables shall be hauled to a recycling facility by a private contract trash hauler and not through the city contract,” the staff member said, noting several private haulers already serve apartment complexes.
Commissioners probed who would pick up recyclables and whether local haulers could handle dumpster‑style service. One commissioner noted existing private contractors in the market and asked whether the requirement would add to the city’s contract. Staff answered that the intent is to keep MXD multifamily service separate from the city’s single‑family curbside program.
The discussion also referenced a concurrent city‑council proposal that would expand recycling requirements for existing multifamily properties; staff said the MXD text amendment describes the law as it stands for future development and that a separate council proposal would address bringing existing complexes into compliance over time.
After discussion, the commission made a motion to recommend the text amendment and voted to forward the proposal to the city council for final action.
Next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be considered by the Syracuse City Council; staff said a council proposal will also address how to bring existing multifamily complexes into recycling compliance.
