From Austin Resource Recovery:

 

Qualifying businesses can earn up to $1,800 in rebates to start, expand or improve recycling, composting or other zero waste programs. To prepare Austin businesses for the next phase of the Universal Recycling Ordinance, Austin Resource Recovery announces the Zero Waste Business Rebate beginning Feb. 19, 2015. 

 

Qualifying Austin businesses have two ways to save: 

 

1) Create new zero waste programs such as recycling, composting or other waste diversion procedures. Contract for recycling and/or composting services and receive up to $900 for start-up costs and 50 percent off monthly service invoices up to $150 per month.

 

2) Improve and expand existing recycling, composting or waste diversion programs. By increasing the amount of materials diverted from Austin landfills, businesses can receive rebates up to $1,800.

 

“The Austin business community is working hard to recycle.  This rebate helps support creative and innovative solutions to keep materials out of area landfills,” said Aiden Cohen, business outreach manager.

 

By 2017, recycling programs will be required at all commercial properties in Austin as part of the Universal Recycling Ordinance.  By 2018, all food service permit holders will be required to have an organics diversion program in place. Rebates are available to qualifying businesses and properties within the City of Austin that establish programs before ordinance deadlines or exceed minimum requirements in the Universal Recycling Ordinance. Food service establishments, office buildings, multifamily dwellings, retailers, hotels, private schools, manufacturing facilities, hospitals and other property types may qualify.

 

“Reducing the amount of business-generated waste going to landfills is crucial for Austin to reach its Zero Waste goal,” said Cohen. “This rebate aims to help businesses and properties reduce waste and implement effective recycling and composting programs.”

 

To find out if your business is eligible, please visit austintexas.gov/zwbizrebate, contact Austin Resource Recovery staff at (512) 974-9727 or email commercialrecycling@austintexas.gov. Funding is limited for eligible participants. Participating businesses must provide recycling or compost services for a minimum of six months to earn qualifying rebates. 

 

 

About the Universal Recycling Ordinance

The City of Austin’s Universal Recycling Ordinance establishes minimum standards for recycling at commercial properties based on square footage or number of dwelling units. As of Oct. 1, 2014, the ordinance applies to multifamily properties with more than 25 dwelling units and commercial properties larger than 50,000 square feet. By 2017, recycling programs will be required at nearly all properties in Austin. 

 

Starting Oct.1, 2016, the largest businesses with food service permits will be required to establish organics diversion programs and by Oct. 1, 2018, all food service permit holders in Austin must have organics diversion programs in place. 

 

For complete rebate details, eligibility requirements and application, please visit 

http://austintexas.gov/zwbizrebate

 

About Austin Resource Recovery

Austin Resource Recovery provides a wide range of services designed to transform waste into resources while keeping our community clean. Services include curbside collection of recycling, trash, yard trimmings and large brush and bulk items; street sweeping; dead animal collection; household hazardous waste disposal and recycling; and outreach and education. Austin Resource Recovery offers free consulting services to help Austin businesses reduce waste and comply with the City’s recycling ordinances. In December 2011, the Austin City Council approved the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan, which is the City’s road map to Zero Waste. The City of Austin is committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to area landfills by 90 percent by 2040. Learn more at austinrecycles.com.