How to improve the Waste Management in your Apartment Building?

Living in an apartment building, block of flats, a group of town houses –  offers a built in community. It also presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing waste – a different ballgame altogether compared to standalone houses.

The concentration of multiple households, reliance on shared disposal facilities, and the diverse habits of residents can weave a complex web of waste management issues. From overflowing bins and unpleasant odours to confusion surrounding recycling rules and the sheer volume of waste generated, apartment dwellers often face frustrations related to the collection, sorting, and disposal of their household waste.

Effectively tackling these challenges isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for cultivating a clean, healthy, and harmonious living environment for everyone.

So, what can you do to improve the Waste Management in your building?

Here are key areas to explore and work through:

Establishing Responsibility and Leadership:

• Who takes the lead on waste management in your building? If there isn’t a dedicated building manager, what systems can the body corporate implement? Could an active and committed volunteer step into this crucial role? Most buildings work better with someone at the helm of the waste management.

Developing a Clear Waste Management Plan:

• Does the body corporate or building manager have a comprehensive plan in place? This plan should clearly outline responsibilities, provide straightforward waste sorting guidelines (covering general rubbish, recyclables, and organic waste), and detail the building’s collection schedules.

Ensuring Adequate Infrastructure:

• Are there enough easily accessible waste and recycling bins located in common areas or designated waste rooms? Are these bins clearly labeled to guide residents in proper disposal?

Optimising Bin Systems:

• For buildings with five or more units, is there an efficient way to organize communal waste storage areas? This is key to maximising space and preventing obstructions on footpaths and other shared areas.

Promoting Effective Waste Separation:

• Are residents provided with clear and concise instructions on how to separate their waste into the correct streams (e.g., mixed recycling, glass, food waste, green waste, general waste)?

Preventing Contamination:

• Are residents educated on the importance of preventing contamination in recycling bins? For example, are they aware of the requirement to use only the correct Auckland Council Food Scraps bags for food waste bins?

Understanding Local Collection Services:

• Do residents and the building management fully understand Auckland Council’s collection services specifically for multi-unit dwellings, including food scraps, general rubbish, recycling, and inorganic materials?

Considering a Site Assessment:

• Have property managers or the body corporate considered registering for a site assessment with Auckland Council? This can help determine the most appropriate waste management services for the building’s needs.

Addressing Multi-Unit Development Specifics:

• Are you aware that developments with 10 or more units may have different collection arrangements? Standard kerbside collections might not be feasible due to health and safety and traffic flow concerns. In these cases, the body corporate or landlord typically bears the responsibility for waste disposal.

Planning for New Developments:

• If your building is a new development, were comprehensive Waste Management Plans required as part of the planning process? These plans are crucial for ensuring adequate provisions for managing all waste streams generated on-site from the outset.

Auckland Council does have clear signage for apartment buildings to help residents do the right thing. Please contact here.