Traditionally, multi-family recycling poses some challenges compared to residential recycling, say Waste Management officials. There tends to be a limited amount of space for recycling bins, carts or waste containers and limited access for trucks.

Nevertheless, those obstacles didn’t stop the city of Kirkland and Waste Management from teaming up to increase recycling in multi-family properties in Kirkland.

In the spring, city officials visited 457 properties to talk to on-site property managers, update recycling container signs, and offer tools and assistance.

As a follow-up, Waste Management went door-to-door at 77 properties to distribute recycling containers and guides and answer recycling questions.

Waste Management also created its first-ever split container dumpster — a dumpster split into two sections (one for recycling and one for garbage). This dumpster will help increase recycling at properties that have trouble finding space for recycling dumpsters.

With the success of the pilot program, Waste Management and Kirkland will be rolling out more of these dumpsters to qualified properties.

“Our customers and the sustainability movement drive our business,” said Jeff McMahon, district manager for Waste Management. “It is exciting to be able to create innovative solutions with our local zero waste partner, the city of Kirkland.”