Fri 28th Mar 2008 03:37PM
Over twenty years ago the first curbside recycling program had started around the same time the first boy band made a number one single. Though recycling has grown since the days of synchronized dance moves it is amazing how many rental communities and rental properties still do not have a recycling program. Recycling is a series of activities that includes collecting recyclable materials that would otherwise be considered waste, sorting them for local pickup so they can be reused or made into new products. And unlike boy bands, recycling is not a fad or the latest trend. It is the property managers responsibility for getting everyone in the rental community involved in a recycling program. Recycling should be everybodys responsibility, but in rental properties, property managers need to implement a recycling system that everyone can take part in. If renters do not have the resources at the rental property to recycle, then what choice do they have except to not recycle?
The first thing property managers need to do is set up a recycling waste program at the rental property. Since most rental properties have a shared trash area, property managers need to be the front man who leads the community to a greener lifestyle. The trash area should have more than just one dumpster for everything so not everything ends up on the landfill. Property managers need to learn what is recyclable and how it should be recycled. For example, property managers need to have a recycle container for glass, plastics and metal containers and another one for paper and cardboard. Property managers can take it a step further and have a recycling container for batteries and ink cartridges. If recycling containers are provided for the community, then the community will become more environmental conscious.
Once property managers have the community ready for recycling, it is time to educate the community about being environmentally friendly. Setting up separate recycling cans is not enough. The community needs to know what is recyclable and what is not. Property managers can conduct a meeting and educate the community about recycling. Property managers should not only go over what is recyclable, but also teach the importance of recycling. The community will not only be followers, but become environmental activists. Property managers should also post signs around the community about the new changes to the trash system so no one is left out.�
After the recycling program gets underway, property managers should track the communitys progress. One way to see who is out of synch is to implement contests. If property managers gave out incentives to residents who come up with the best green plan, more people will get involved and soon everybody will be in rhythm.�
Property managers also need to set an example and boast about their recycling contributions. They can revise purchasing specifications to allow greater purchase of recycled-content materials, and purchase at least one new product with recycled content each year, starting with office supplies. Property managers also should convert to a paperless rent bill and an epayment system. All of these accomplishments should be posted in a common area bulletin board where everybody in the community will be able to read it.
Recycling is not just the normal everyday trash. Recycling also involves clothing. If property managers set up a clothing bin in an indoor common area, tenants can toss their unwanted clothes in there for good use instead of tossing it out like an old boy band tape into the trash can.
The original article is located at: Property Managers Going Green