Digested From "S.A. Weighs Recycling for Apartment Dwellers"
San Antonio Express-News (TX) by Sarah Snyder
There are currently few recycling options for apartment residents in north central San Antonio, where the nearest aluminum can recycling facility is downtown. That may change soon, though, as city officials are working with a focus group on apartment community recycling. Additionally, a pilot program at the Blue Star Arts Complex could hold more answers. At Blue Star, apartment residents are part of a one-year program that will help the city determine the cost effectiveness of recycling programs in multifamily housing settings. Once the amount of recyclable collections is reported over 12 months' time, city leaders will analyze the cost of collecting and compacting that waste, revenue received from collections and money saved from not paying a garbage collector to haul the trash to a landfill. Stephen Haney, interim environmental manager of San Antonio's Solid Waste Management Department, states, "We're trying to get to the point to determine 'What is the cost benefit?'" Haney further noted that apartment residents do not pay the city for trash and recyclables collection as homeowners do. Instead, they pay rent to apartment management, who in turn pays a private waste management firm to handle such duties. Traditionally, apartment managers have been reluctant to host such programs because they would have to hike rents. Another consideration for apartment owners and managers is where to stage a recycling effort, especially in those instances where space could be in short supply. Rosemarie Selman, executive director for the San Antonio Apartment Association, cited the need to educate residents and find suitable firms to contract for recycling service. She concludes, "Perhaps new construction communities in planning stages, this would allow proper planning for the space needed for compactors and special recycling bins."
Read Full Story