Starting October 1, Austin will be setting a new precedent in waste management and sustainability for Texas cities. As reported by CBS Austin, the new city ordinance mandates that all multifamily dwellings with five or more units are now required to provide accessible composting services to residents and employees. This move is part of a broader effort to achieve the city's ambitious zero waste goal, and it stands to change daily routines for more than half of the city's population.
Aiming to cut down significantly on landfill waste, these new regulations tie into a finding from a 2015 study that a staggering 85% of Austin's landfill waste comes from commercial and multifamily sectors, with as much as 37% of the material being compostable. The directive, as communicated by Austin Resource Recovery Director Richard McHale to CBS Austin, will apply not just to apartments and condos, but also to non-state dorms, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
To facilitate these new mandates, each property is required to provide one gallon of composting capacity per residential unit every week. KVUE notes that the collected materials should include a variety of compostables such as food scraps, food-soiled papers, and products certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute.
To aid the transition, Austin has extended resources and a rebate program, as indicated by CBS Austin, which may include waivers for properties making good-faith efforts toward compliance. Properties are also tasked with the duty to educate residents and staff about composting practices. They must provide signage in at least two languages, to cater to the city's diverse populace, and submit an annual composting plan to the city. Overflowing containers are a big no-no, underscoring the seriousness with which the city is pursuing its waste reduction goals.
Residents looking for more information on what can be composted—including various food scraps, soiled paper products, natural fibers, and even toothpicks—can learn more by visiting the city's website. Here, they will find guidance on navigating the new compost mandate, ensuring a smoother transition to greener living for all affected Austinites.
