Multifamily Property Management

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​​This page features information and resources on how to comply with organics, recycling, and garbage requirements.  

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Commercial Franchised Haulers provide organics, recycling, and garbage collection service to multifamily properties in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. To change or terminate your service with a hauler, visit the Commercial Franchised Hauler page. ​

All multifamily properties must:

  • Contract for waste collection service with a Commercial Franchised Hauler to collect and haul the property's organics, recycling, and garbage, and/or utilize an alternative service/obtain a waiver. Go to the “Alternative Services and Waivers" section for more information.
  • Have a level of organics, rec​ycling, and garbage collection service (container size, number of containers, and frequency of collection) that adequately meets the property's needs.
  • Place organics and recycling containers in location(s) that are at least as convenient to tenants as the garbage containers.
    • ​Place at least one organics, recycling, and garbage container at all waste enclosures (where space permits).
  • Have the waste containers regularly available for tenant use. 
  • Remove bulky waste (furniture, mattresses, etc.) on an on-call or more frequent basis to avoid overflow and unsafe accumulation outside of the waste containers.
  • Educate tenants within 14 days of move-in and annually on how to properly separate organics, recycling, and garbage.
  • Label each organics, recycling, and garbage container.​

Alternative waste collection services and waivers may be used in addition to or in place of subscribing to waste collection service through a Commercial Franchised Hauler. To meet alternative service compliance requirements, review the information below and complete the specific compliance form:

Shared Container (Only Available for Organics, Recycling, and Garbage): 

  • Multifamily properties that are adjacent to each other may share organics, recycling, or garbage service as long as:
    • Both parties agree to share the containers,
    • There is a signed agreement between both parties, and
    • Proof of shared service and a copy of the hauler service contract is kept on-site for inspections.

Third-Party Recycler (Only Available for Organics and Recycling):

  • ​Multifamily properties may contract with a non-franchised hauler to collect and process organic materials or recyclables. For inspections, contracts for each hauler must be retained on-site.

Self-Haul (Only Available for Green Waste and Recycling): 

  • Multifamily properties may collect and haul their green waste/landscape trimmings and recyclables off-site to a facility that recycles the material.  For inspections, receipts of self-haul activity must be retained on-site.
    • For Green Waste: Self-hauling does not meet full compliance requirements. Subscription to food waste and food-soiled paper collection services from a Commercial Franchised Hauler is required.  
    • For Recycling: Self-hauling only meets full compliance requirements if all recyclables (glass, metal, paper, cardboard, plastics) are collected and recycled. For example, if self-hauling only recycling aluminum cans or cardboard, all other recyclable materials must also be collected and recycled through another option.

Landscaper (Only Available for Green Waste):

  • Multifamily properties may contract with a landscaper, who collects and hauls green waste/landscape trimmings off-site to a facility that processes the green waste into compost/mulch. For inspections, contracts must be retained on-site.
    • Contracting with a landscaper does not meet the full compliance requirements of the organics collection law. Subscription to food waste and food-soiled paper collection services from a Commercial Franchised Hauler is required. 

Physical Space Waiver (Only Available for Organics and Recycling; Not Commonly Used):

  • For multifamily properties without adequate space inside or outside the waste enclosure for the smallest organics or recycling cart available (a 64-gallon cart, approximately 25 inches wide x 32 inches deep x 42 inches high). Supporting documentation is required.

All multifamily properties must subscribe to an adequate level of waste collection service and have organics and recycling containers conveniently located for tenant access. We generally recommend one 64-gallon organics container (approximately 25" wide x 32" deep x 42" high) for every 25 units and one 1-yard of recycling collection for every 16 units.

Place Containers in Convenient Locations:

There should be at least one organics, recycling, and garbage container located at each waste enclosure.

If there is no space inside or outside a waste enclosure:

  • Disperse recycling and organics containers evenly throughout the property.
  • Ensure tenants are aware of the container locations. Post signs or maps that clearly show the location(s) in common areas such as the lobby, mailbox area, etc.

Having mandatory valet service may also fulfill this requirement. If applicable, complete and submit the Valet Services Confirmation Form to CommercialWaste@SacCounty.gov.  

Label Containers:

All organics, recycling, and garbage containers must have clear labels. For example, the organics container(s) should identify food scraps and food-soiled paper. Contact your waste hauler for container labels.

Secure Containers:

Multifamily properties may lock their waste containers/enclosures if the containers are made available to tenants using a regular process and hours are clearly communicated to tenants through outreach and signage.

For waste containers that automatically lock, ensure all tenants can access the containers when they are intended to be available.​

For tenant brochures, template letters, and container labels, and more, go to our Commercial Resources webpage.

Bulky Waste

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Multifamily properties are required to subscribe to a bulky waste (mattresses, furniture, appliances, etc.) removal service, on an on-call or more frequent basis to avoid overflowing waste containers and unsafe accumulation outside of containers pursuant to Sacramento County Code 6.20.430. 

Free Disposal Options for Tenants

Inform tenants that some bulky items can be dropped off for free at Kiefer Landfill and the North Area Recovery Station. Go to the Free Item Drop-Off page for more information. Note: the load must only contain free items.

Put a Stop to Illegal Dumping:

  • Signs – Inform violators t​hat illegal dumping is a crime and indicate if you have a security system.
  • Lighting and Appearance - Keep your property maintained and well-lit.
  • Security Cameras - Monitor waste enclosures and entrance(s).
  • Lock Up - Keep property gates and waste enclosure gates locked.
  • Properly Dispose of Bulky Items - Set bulky waste disposal days for a Commercial Franchised Hauler or Licensed Hauler to pick up items.
  • Report Illegal Dumping - Use the 311 Connect app to report and reduce dumping.

For more information, visit Sacramento County's illegal dumping website.


Multifamily properties and tenants may take HHW materials to HHW Drop-off Centers. Multifamily properties must call ahead to make an appointment. Visit our Commercial Hazardous Waste page for more information​. 


Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): Used cooking oil/motor oil; Used oil filters; Paint (oil-based or latex) and paint thinners; Home-generated needles and syringes; Household cleaners; Household batteries; Propane tanks (barbeque style, limit two, maximum 7 gallons).

All tenants must be educated on how to separate organics and recycling from garbage within 14 days of their move-in and through annual reminders.

You can choose to:

  • Hold interactive community events and presentations to encourage tenant engagement. If you are interested in having a DWMR speaker to present at a community event, please contact CommercialWaste@SacCounty.gov.     
  • Use materials on our Commercial Resources page (template letters, translated brochures, signage, downloadable enclosure container symbols, and easy to understand imagery) in your tenant move-in packet and with regular notices. Printed materials are available by request.
  • Provide updated information to all tenants annually. For example, during annual inspections of each unit.
  • Ensure the collection container locations are clearly marked on your property map. Use the organics, recycling, and garbage container symbols from our Commercial Resources page.  

Share our Multifamily Tenants page with tenants if they need additional information.​

Our Commercial Resources page has materials to provide to tenants.

Kitchen Pails for Tenants


While supplies last, free 2-gallon kitchen pails to collect food scraps and food-soiled paper are available. To arrange for a pickup appointment, email CommercialWaste@SacCounty.gov.

If you cannot pickup pails on behalf of tenants, inform tenants of where they can pick up their own pail by using the Kitchen Pail Pick up Locations Flyer. 

Increase Tenant Participation in Organics and Recycling:

Educate tenants, provide kitchen pails for food scrap collection, and make sure all waste containers are accessible. There should be at least one organics, recycling, and garbage container present at each waste enclosure.

See our “Educating Tenants & Kitchen Pails" tab for strategies and information on obtaining free kitchen pails. 

For educational materials, see our Commercial Resources page.

Reduce Contamination in Collection Containers:

Contamination is when materials are placed in the wrong container. For example, bagged garbage in recycling containers.

In addition to using strategies to increase participation, consider these solutions:

  • Ask your waste​ hauler for slotted recycling lids to limit tenants to only place recyclable materials (i.e., flattened cardboard, paper, and bottles) inside.
  • Staff should check recycling and organics containers for common contaminants. Send notices to inform tenants on the correct container for these items.
  • Establish a policy to enforce the waste collection rules at your property. For example, a fine can be imposed.
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Multifamily properties may lock their waste containers/enclosures if the containers are made available to tenants using a regular process and hours that are clearly communicated to tenants through outreach and signage.

To prevent cart theft and discourage recycling container scavenging, consider these solutions:

  • Bolt/chain the cart(s) to the enclosure wall. 
  • Use security cameras to monitor waste enclosures. Place signs if a security system is in place.
  • Implement a lock/unlock system with the containers and/or enclosures: 
    • Keep all containers/enclosures locked and provide key(s) to all tenants,
    • Keep the organics container(s) locked and attach a key to the container(s) during specific times. Keep copies of the key at the main office in case it is misplaced, and/or
    • ​Having staff lock/unlock the waste containers at certain times of day. For example, during service hours.

Ask your waste hauler about container security options. Notify tenants of the security system in place for your collection program. 

​Contact the Commercial Solid Waste Team:

Please provide your service address, business name, and phone number.

Report Multifamily Waste Collection Issues:​

If you observe missing, inaccessible, mislabeled, or overflowing waste containers, or another issue with the organics/food waste, recycling, and/or garbage collection programs at a property, submit the Commercial Waste Collection Issues Form  or contact CommercialWaste@SacCounty.gov.

Additional Information:

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See it! Report it! Use the 3-1-1 Connect App to report illegal dumping. 

 

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