Recycling That Works for Your Building
Only about 8% of multi-family properties in Maine have access to recycling, and ecomaine’s Multi-Family Recycling Initiative was built to change that.
Recycling in multi-family housing comes with real challenges; limited space, inconsistent access, and residents who aren’t sure what goes where. Those challenges are exactly what our team was built to solve.
Funded through the EPA’s Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) Grant, we provide free technical assistance and hands-on support to apartments, condos, and other multi-family properties, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve what’s already in place. Over 12 weeks, we work alongside you to build a recycling program that sticks. Get in touch at multifamily@ecomaine.org or call 207-523-3144 to find out how we can help your building.
Everything We Offer. At No Cost to You.
Our 12-week program covers everything a multi-family property needs to build or improve a recycling program that actually works. From hands-on setup support to resident education and beyond, here’s what’s included.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Property Staff & Landlords
Why should I add recycling to my property?
Recycling is one of the simplest ways to add value to your property, for your residents, your staff, and your bottom line.
- Residents want it. Access to recycling is increasingly expected by renters, and properties with clear, easy recycling programs tend to see higher resident satisfaction.
- It can save staff time and resources. A well-organized waste system reduces overflowing trash, staff time, and the extra hauling costs that come with contaminated loads.
We do the heavy lifting. ecomaine handles the evaluation, signage, materials, and resident education, so adding or improving recycling doesn't fall on you or your team to figure out alone
How do I get started?
Email multifamily@ecomaine.org or call 207-523-3144. We'll schedule an initial call and property visit at a time that works for you.
Do you provide multilingual materials for residents?
Yes! ecomaine offers recycling guides and Do/Don't flyers in Spanish, French, Arabic, Somali, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Portuguese, Acholi, and Vietnamese.
For Residents
What can residents in multi-family properties recycle?
Residents of apartments, condos, and other multi-family properties in ecomaine member communities can recycle the same materials as single-family households using single-sort recycling. Accepted items typically include:
- Paper & cardboard (flattened)
- Metal cans (aluminum & steel)
- Glass bottles & jars
- Plastic bottles, jugs & tubs (#1–#7)
Not sure about a specific item? Check the Recyclopedia →
What should NOT go in the recycling bin?
Common items that do not belong in recycling and cause contamination:
- Plastic bags & film (bring to grocery store drop-offs)
- Food-soiled containers (rinse before recycling)
- Styrofoam / foam packaging
- Batteries (hazardous)
- Tanglers like hoses, cords, or holiday lights
Why This Matters
Multi-family housing makes up roughly 21% of Maine’s housing stock, yet only 8% of these properties have on-site recycling access. That gap represents thousands of residents who don’t have the same opportunity to recycle as those in single-family homes, and a significant amount of recyclable material ending up in the trash.
Expanding recycling access in multi-family buildings helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and move Maine toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. ecomaine’s Multi-Family Recycling Initiative exists to close that gap, one building at a time.
Reach out to the team:
- Email: multifamily@ecomaine.org
- Phone: 207-523-3144
Stay in the Loop
Whether you’re a property manager looking for best practices, a landlord navigating new recycling requirements, or a resident who wants to make a difference, our newsletter keeps you connected to the latest from the MFRI team. Get program updates, recycling tips, success stories, and resources delivered straight to your inbox. No sorting required.
