Just the Facts

The SBWMA Multi-family Dwelling (MFD) Recycling Program is a collaboration with Allied Waste. Each complex has a Commercial Recycling Coordinator who can work with the management to determine the appropriate levels of garbage and recycling service and make adjustments as needed over time. Recycling is available to all MFDs, but this particular program is for complexes in the cities of Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, and San Mateo.

What Do Participating Complexes Receive in this Program?

Recycling Buddy

• Two-pocket plastic bag (contains recycled plastic, of course) used to store and transport recyclables from a residence to the recycling area.

Outreach and Education

• Property manager toolkit, including a reuse guide for managers, move-in and move-out kits for residents.
• Subscription to the Nexus electronic newsletter.
• Media exposure related to the program.
• Posters and stickers to remind people to recycle.
• Feedback from and to residents on their impact of recycling.

Tools to Build Community

• Volunteer Recycling Advocate to provide positive messages about recycling and act as a resource to the community.
• Acterra's Green Teams to teach people how to live a more earth-friendly lifestyle. www.acterra.org/greenteams.
• Department of Conservation's RecyCool Club for kids ages 5-12 years. RecyCool Club web site.

You Can Make A Difference

By using a Recycling Buddy and recycling, your efforts will ultimately pay off by conserving trees and water, cleaning the air by reducing pollutants, and reducing oil and gas use. Remember, "nothing is waste until it is wasted." Thanks for your participation.

By the Numbers
as of Dec 1, 2005:

• 335 complexes are participating representing nearly 25,000 households
• We anticipate to reach 50% of the multi-family households
• We have distributed over 19,000 recycling buddies to date
• We have given 33 presentations to 831 people
• Over 10,000,000 pick-ups of recyclables and waste are made a year by Allied Waste.
• Nearly 175,000 tons of material is recycled annually through Allied Waste's programs.
• Nearly 60,000 apartment and condominium units are serviced by Allied Waste.

Success Story

• Belmont
  By starting recycling, a 182-unit complex is now recycling 42% and saves $1,500 each month.
• Redwood City
  A 244-unit, 10-building condominium doubled their recycling overnight while reducing their garbage bills 5%.