Cleveland apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site teams: you’re operating in a county that actively promotes recycling at multifamily communities but does not yet have a city- or county-wide apartment recycling mandate. The City of Cleveland provides trash and, upon request, recycling carts to single-family and small multifamily properties (up to four units), while larger communities are usually treated as commercial accounts and rely on private haulers.
Across the 59 communities in Cuyahoga County, the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District encourages multifamily recycling and even publishes a model ordinance that cities may choose to adopt – but as of today, none of the cities in the county (including Cleveland) have codified a dedicated mandatory apartment recycling ordinance. Property managers are still exposed to solid-waste, illegal dumping, and nuisance violations when enclosures overflow or residents lack clean, convenient disposal and recycling options.
- Protect NOI & Reputation: Reduce complaints, illegal dumping, and overflow that can trigger inspections and citations under local health and sanitation codes.
- Resident-First Convenience: Doorstep collection that keeps residents out of dark, dirty enclosures and reduces trips to dumpsters or off-site drop-off centers.
- Code-Smart Design: Container layouts, service frequencies, and signage aligned with Cleveland’s cart rules and Cuyahoga County’s Apartments & Condominiums guidance for multi-family recycling.
- Future-Proof Your Assets: The County already has a model multifamily recycling ordinance ready for cities to adopt. Our programs are designed so your communities are “ordinance-ready” if and when requirements become mandatory.
- Hands-Off for Your Team: We coordinate with haulers, educate residents, and document service – so you can stay focused on leasing, renewals, and operations.
At a Glance: City of Cleveland vs. Cuyahoga County & Other Cities
City of Cleveland (Inside City Limits)
- Mandate Type: No dedicated apartment recycling mandate. The city operates curbside trash and recycling for single-family and multifamily homes up to four (4) units; larger apartment communities are typically handled as commercial accounts.
- Applicability Threshold: City-provided carts and curbside recycling are available to eligible properties with <=4 units. Larger multifamily communities are not required by city ordinance to provide on-site recycling for residents, but must still manage solid waste properly.
- Property Manager Duties (Practical): For larger communities, choose and manage trash and recycling hauler contracts, maintain adequate container capacity, keep enclosures clean and accessible, and prevent illegal dumping or accumulation of waste that could violate the health code.
- Program Expectations: Follow Cleveland’s cart rules and set-out guidelines where city carts are used; where private haulers service the site, ensure safe access, proper labeling, and clear instructions for residents on what belongs in trash vs. recycling.
- Key City & County Links: City of Cleveland – Division of Waste Collection & Disposal · Cleveland Waste & Recycling Guide (PDF) · CuyahogaRecycles – City of Cleveland
Cuyahoga County & Other Cities
- Mandate Type: No county-wide apartment recycling mandate. The Solid Waste District provides guidance and a model ordinance that cities may adopt, but use is optional and, so far, not codified as binding law in any city.
- Applicability Threshold: Local solid-waste and litter rules apply broadly to properties, but there is no uniform unit-count threshold anywhere in the county that forces property managers to provide recycling service to residents.
- Program Duties: Maintain adequate trash service, prevent overflow and open dumping, and use private haulers or voluntary recycling programs to give residents access to recycling where feasible.
- Risk Profile: Even without a formal recycling mandate, communities can be cited for illegal dumping, waste accumulation, and nuisance conditions. Documented programs and clean enclosures reduce inspection risk.
- How National Doorstep Helps: We structure valet trash & recycling programs that meet or exceed county guidance, simplify hauler coordination, and prepare properties for potential future adoption of multifamily recycling ordinances.
- Key County Links: CuyahogaRecycles – District Publications · Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District · Sustainable Cuyahoga Toolkit
Cuyahoga County Cities & Apartment Recycling Mandates
None of the 38 cities in Cuyahoga County currently have a codified mandatory apartment recycling ordinance that requires property managers to provide recycling service to residents at multifamily communities. Instead, apartments are typically treated as commercial solid-waste customers. Recycling access is driven by contracts and voluntary programs, while enforcement focuses on illegal dumping, litter, and improper waste management.
| City | Apartment Recycling Mandate? | Notes for Property Managers & Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
The City operates curbside trash and opt-in recycling for single-family and multifamily homes up to four units. Larger apartment communities are generally treated as commercial accounts and must arrange trash and recycling directly with haulers. There is no ordinance that forces property managers to provide recycling, but accumulation of waste, illegal dumping, and nuisance conditions can still be cited. A structured valet trash & recycling program keeps enclosures clean and aligned with city expectations. Key local links: Cleveland Waste Collection & Recycling · CuyahogaRecycles – Cleveland |
| Bay Village | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Bay Village promotes residential recycling but does not have a city-wide mandate requiring apartment properties to offer on-site recycling. Multifamily buildings are typically handled as commercial accounts; property managers should work with haulers to add recycling and keep enclosures neat to avoid complaints. Helpful resource: Apartments & Condominiums – Recycling & Composting Guide |
| Beachwood | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Beachwood provides refuse and recycling services and allows residents to purchase additional carts, but there is no apartment-specific recycling requirement in code. Condominium and apartment residents are directed to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District for guidance. Property managers should use private haulers to add recycling where possible. Helpful resource: Beachwood – Rubbish & Recycling |
| Bedford | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Bedford follows the regional pattern: single-family/low-density housing may receive city service, while larger multifamily properties act as commercial customers. No ordinance compels property managers to provide recycling, but clean, well-managed trash and recycling areas help avoid nuisance issues. Helpful resource: CuyahogaRecycles – Municipal Programs |
| Bedford Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Solid-waste service is regulated, but there is no codified multifamily recycling mandate. Apartment communities should coordinate with haulers for recycling service and prioritize enclosure cleanliness and capacity management to prevent overflow and illegal dumping complaints. Helpful resource: County Multifamily Recycling Guide |
| Berea | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Berea offers residential recycling and enforces general waste and property maintenance rules. Apartments are treated as commercial accounts; property managers decide whether to add recycling as an amenity and risk management tool for residents. Helpful resource: CuyahogaRecycles.org |
| Brecksville | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Brecksville follows county guidance for multifamily properties. There is no ordinance that mandates recycling access for residents at apartments, but improper waste storage or dumping can still lead to enforcement. Voluntary valet trash & recycling helps keep sites inspection-ready. |
| Broadview Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Code provisions address containers and solid waste, but there is no requirement that apartment communities provide recycling. Property managers should ensure adequate trash capacity and consider adding recycling to align with resident expectations and county best practices. |
| Brook Park | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Brook Park regulates waste and nuisance conditions but does not have a multifamily recycling ordinance. Apartments rely on private hauler contracts; well-designed enclosure layouts and valet service reduce contamination and overflow. |
| Brooklyn | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Brooklyn enforces solid-waste rules but does not currently require apartment properties to provide recycling. Property managers should work with haulers and service providers to give residents convenient, clearly labeled trash and recycling options. |
| Cleveland Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Cleveland Heights has a strong focus on carted refuse and recycling and has discussed multifamily recycling and sustainability in public documents, but has not adopted a dedicated apartment recycling mandate. Multifamily properties are expected to maintain clean, compliant waste areas and may voluntarily add recycling service for residents. |
| East Cleveland | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | East Cleveland enforces local litter and illegal dumping ordinances. There is no code section that forces apartment property managers to offer recycling, but unmanaged waste and dumping can lead to citations and fines. |
| Euclid | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Euclid actively enforces litter and illegal dumping rules and participates in regional anti-dumping initiatives. Apartments are commercial accounts and not under a formal recycling mandate, but clean, well-managed refuse and recycling areas are essential to avoid enforcement. |
| Fairview Park | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Fairview Park provides residential waste and recycling services, while larger apartment communities use private haulers. There is no ordinance requiring property managers to provide recycling; voluntary programs aligned with county guidance are encouraged. |
| Garfield Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Garfield Heights regulates trash and nuisance conditions but does not have a codified multifamily recycling ordinance. Property managers should focus on adequate service levels, enclosure cleanliness, and voluntary recycling access for residents where feasible. |
| Highland Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Highland Heights participates in county-wide sustainability efforts and follows Cuyahoga County guidance for multifamily recycling. Recycling is not mandated for apartment communities but is encouraged as a best practice. |
| Independence | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Independence regulates waste collection and enforcement; apartment properties act as commercial customers and are not required by ordinance to provide recycling service to residents. Valet trash & recycling can be used to reduce enforcement risk. |
| Lakewood | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Lakewood has robust residential recycling, but larger multifamily and mixed-use properties rely on commercial collection and are not under a dedicated recycling mandate. Property managers should align scrap, recycling, and trash practices with county guidance and resident expectations. |
| Lyndhurst | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Lyndhurst supports recycling through its residential program but does not require apartment communities to provide on-site recycling. Multifamily owners and property managers are encouraged to work with haulers and service partners to offer recycling as an amenity. |
| Maple Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Maple Heights treats apartments as commercial accounts. There is no mandated apartment recycling ordinance; however, city and county officials expect clean, well-maintained dumpster areas and may enforce against illegal dumping and trash accumulation. |
| Mayfield Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Mayfield Heights regulates waste and property maintenance but does not codify a requirement for apartment recycling. Property managers should proactively design trash and recycling solutions to reduce complaints and inspection risk. |
| Middleburg Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Middleburg Heights follows county best practices for multifamily properties. Recycling service is a function of private hauler contracts, not a statutory requirement; apartments should still prevent overflow and illegal dumping. |
| North Olmsted | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | North Olmsted offers residential solid-waste and recycling services; apartments above small-unit thresholds typically use commercial service. No ordinance obligates property managers to provide recycling access, but doing so supports compliance and resident satisfaction. |
| North Royalton | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | North Royalton uses general solid-waste and nuisance enforcement tools; multifamily recycling is encouraged but not required. Properties remain responsible for adequate trash capacity and clean, safe enclosures. |
| Olmsted Falls | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Olmsted Falls follows regional practice: apartments are commercial accounts, with optional recycling added via contract. There is no city-wide apartment recycling mandate in effect. |
| Parma | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Parma is one of the county’s larger cities, with residential recycling service, but has not adopted a separate multifamily recycling mandate. Apartment properties should manage trash and recycling through haulers and keep areas neat to avoid code violations. |
| Parma Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Parma Heights treats apartment communities as commercial solid-waste customers. There is no requirement for resident recycling access, but property managers remain responsible for preventing overflow, litter, and dumping around dumpsters. |
| Pepper Pike | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Pepper Pike has limited multifamily housing; waste and recycling are handled through a mix of city service and private haulers. No ordinance compels apartment property managers to provide recycling programs. |
| Richmond Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Richmond Heights enforces general solid-waste standards while leaving multifamily recycling decisions to property managers and owners. Voluntary programs and valet trash services help reduce contamination and illegal dumping. |
| Rocky River | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Rocky River operates residential recycling and enforces nuisance standards. Apartment recycling is not mandated by ordinance, but managed through private haulers and community policies set by property managers. |
| Seven Hills | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Seven Hills follows county-wide multifamily guidance. Apartments are commercial clients and may add recycling through contracts; they are still expected to control litter and overflow around containers. |
| Shaker Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Shaker Heights’ sustainability materials highlight support for multifamily recycling and reference the County’s model ordinance, but the city has not enacted a binding apartment recycling mandate. Property managers are encouraged to implement recycling programs consistent with county guidance. |
| Solon | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Solon has strong commercial and industrial activity; apartment and multifamily sites arrange waste and recycling service via private haulers. There is no city requirement that residents be provided on-site recycling service. |
| South Euclid | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | South Euclid uses its solid-waste and property maintenance codes to control trash and dumping, but does not currently require apartment communities to provide recycling. A valet trash & recycling program helps maintain compliance and resident satisfaction. |
| Strongsville | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Strongsville provides residential collection and enforces nuisance rules; multifamily and commercial sites are handled via hauler contracts without a city-wide recycling mandate. Apartments should monitor service capacity and cleanliness closely. |
| University Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | University Heights enforces general sanitation and solid-waste regulations. Apartment communities are free to add recycling as an amenity but are not compelled by a specific apartment recycling ordinance. |
| Warrensville Heights | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Warrensville Heights manages solid waste through contracts and code enforcement; apartment recycling is not mandated by city law. Property managers should focus on containment, signage, and resident education where recycling is offered. |
| Westlake | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate | Westlake offers residential recycling and enforces general waste standards but does not oblige apartment properties to provide recycling for residents. Communities that implement valet trash & recycling can reduce overflow and stand out in the local market. |
Cleveland & Cuyahoga County Fines & Penalties Snapshot
- Health Code & Waste Accumulation: Cleveland’s health and sanitation codes prohibit the accumulation of waste and unmanaged trash on properties. Violations can be treated as misdemeanors, with fines that escalate for repeat offenses and may include court costs and, in some cases, potential jail time.
- Littering & Illegal Dumping: Across Cuyahoga County, open dumping of solid waste, scrap tires, and debris is aggressively enforced through local ordinances and state law. The Cleveland–Cuyahoga County Environmental Crimes Task Force investigates illegal dumping, and significant cases can carry substantial fines and criminal penalties under Ohio law.
- Each Day Can Count: For ongoing violations – such as persistent waste accumulation or uncorrected dumping – enforcement may treat each day the violation continues as a separate offense, multiplying total fine exposure.
- No Direct Fine for “No Recycling Service” – Yet: Because there is no apartment recycling mandate, property managers are not fined simply for failing to offer recycling. However, overflowing dumpsters, contaminated common areas, and repeat illegal dumping can still trigger costly enforcement.
- Risk Management Tip: Build a paper trail: keep hauler contracts, service logs, photos of enclosures, and resident education materials. This documentation shows good-faith management if a complaint or inspection arises.
Cleveland & Cuyahoga Multifamily Recycling & Waste Management Checklist
| Task | Action / Recommendation | Helpful Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction & Property Type | Verify whether your community is inside the City of Cleveland or another Cuyahoga County city, and whether it is served as residential (1–4 units) or commercial/multifamily. In most cases, larger apartment communities are considered commercial and must arrange their own trash and recycling services. | Cleveland Waste & Recycling · CuyahogaRecycles – Municipal Info |
| ☑ Engage a Qualified Trash & Recycling Hauler | Make sure your current vendor can provide both trash and recycling service at the volumes your residents generate. If you only have trash, you may see more contamination, overflow, and illegal dumping. Adding recycling through a hauler or National Doorstep program improves resident experience and reduces risk. | County Multifamily Recycling Guide |
| ☑ Right-Size Containers & Service Frequency | Evaluate your current enclosure: number and size of dumpsters/carts, service days, and peak load times. Ensure you have enough capacity so that lids close and no bags are routinely left on the ground. Add recycling containers and adjust frequencies to keep both trash and recycling under control. | CuyahogaRecycles – Best Practices |
| ☑ Design Safe, Resident-Friendly Collection Points | Whether you use centralized enclosures or valet collection from residents’ doors, ensure areas are well lit, clearly signed, and easy to access. Separate trash and recycling, label containers in plain language, and provide clear directions to keep contamination low. | Design Tips for Apartments & Condos |
| ☑ Educate Residents Regularly | Provide simple, recurring education for every resident: what belongs in trash vs. recycling, how to prepare items, and where to set materials. Use move-in packets, door hangers, email/text campaigns, and on-site signage. Reinforce expectations any time you see contamination or overflow starting to creep up. | CuyahogaRecycles – Materials List |
| ☑ Monitor, Document & Adjust | Have your maintenance team or National Doorstep partner document overflow events, contamination, and illegal dumping with photos and quick notes. Use this to justify service changes, support enforcement actions against chronic dumpers, and show due diligence if inspectors raise concerns. | Environmental Crimes Task Force |
| ☑ Position Your Community for Future Ordinances | The county already has a model multifamily recycling ordinance that cities can adopt. By building a well-documented valet trash & recycling program now, your community will be ready if Cleveland or another city adds a formal apartment recycling requirement later. | Sustainable Cuyahoga Toolkit |
Want to get ahead of complaints and enforcement while giving residents a best-in-class amenity? Request a Free Compliance & Convenience Audit for your Cleveland-area property. We’ll review your current enclosure and hauler setup, right-size containers and service, design a resident-friendly valet trash & recycling program, and prepare the inspection-ready documentation you need to show alignment with Cleveland and Cuyahoga County expectations.
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