by Allison Strupeck<\/p>\n
If you live in a multifamily community, things are looking greener lately\u2014and not just because it\u2019s Spring.<\/p>\n
The saying \u201cif it grows, it goes in the green cart\u201d is finally real life for hundreds of thousands of Austinites in apartments, condos and non-state dorms. In 2024, the City of Austin required property managers to start providing composting service.<\/p>\n
Multifamily residents can now toss all plant and animal products into shared composting carts, from bananas to beef to cardboard boxes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next step is getting into the habit of composting. First, keep a reusable container handy with a fitted lid to collect food scraps while cooking. To prevent odors, sprinkle the scraps with baking soda, and refrigerate until collection day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Always keep human-made materials out of composting. This includes glass, plastics and labels. Be sure to take stickers off fruit and veggies before putting them in the fridge or packing lunches.<\/p>\n
Already in the composting habit? Encourage your neighbors to follow your lead! Ask your property manager if you can help them educate your community on composting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The City provides materials like printable tip sheets on apartment composting<\/a> and recycling<\/a>. You could offer to pass out copies to each unit or at the clubhouse.\u00a0 See if your manager can share links to the City\u2019s educational videos<\/a> and other resources<\/a>. \u202f<\/p>\n The City also provides money so multifamily residents can have their own kitchen compost collectors and certified compostable bags. Tell your manager about the Zero Waste Business Rebate<\/a> before the June 30 deadline!\u202f (The rebate is available every year, after Oct. 1.)<\/p>\n