If you own or manage a rental property in California, you are responsible for providing trash and recycling services to your tenants. Failure to do so can result in fines and legal action. In this article, we will discuss the requirements for providing trash and recycling services in rental properties in California.
California Trash and Recycling Services
California has strict laws and regulations regarding trash and recycling services. The state has a goal of diverting 75% of all solid waste from landfills by 2020. To achieve this goal, California has implemented a number of programs and regulations to encourage recycling and reduce waste.
One of the most important regulations is the Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law. This law requires businesses, including rental properties, that generate four or more cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week to recycle. This includes multi-family residential properties with five or more units.
Requirements for Providing Trash and Recycling Services
To comply with California’s trash and recycling regulations, rental property owners and managers must provide the following:
- Trash and recycling containers that are clearly labeled and easily accessible to tenants
- Regular trash and recycling collection services
- Education and outreach to tenants on proper recycling practices
In addition, rental property owners and managers must ensure that their tenants are properly disposing of hazardous waste, such as batteries, electronics, and fluorescent bulbs. These items cannot be disposed of in regular trash or recycling containers and must be taken to a designated hazardous waste facility.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t provide trash and recycling services to my tenants?
Failure to provide trash and recycling services can result in fines and legal action. In addition, tenants may file complaints with local authorities, which can lead to further penalties.
Can I charge my tenants for trash and recycling services?
Yes, rental property owners and managers can charge their tenants for trash and recycling services. However, the fees must be reasonable and cannot exceed the actual cost of providing the services.
What should I do if my tenants are not properly disposing of hazardous waste?
Rental property owners and managers should educate their tenants on proper hazardous waste disposal practices. If tenants continue to improperly dispose of hazardous waste, rental property owners and managers may be held liable for any resulting environmental damage.
Conclusion
Providing trash and recycling services in rental properties in California is not only required by law, but it is also essential for protecting the environment and public health. Rental property owners and managers must ensure that they are complying with all state and local regulations and providing their tenants with the necessary education and resources to properly dispose of waste. By doing so, they can avoid fines and legal action and contribute to California’s goal of reducing waste and increasing recycling.
