Designing For Success: Multifamily Food Scrap Collection
Track
Outreach
Session Description
The largest housing development west of the Mississippi has implemented food scraps collection across 4,255 units. This includes eighteen 13-story high-rise units and thirty-one 2-story townhomes. Success is reliant upon cohesive relationships between the property management, waste hauler, and third party vendors. The property even saw a cost savings! We will explore varying stakeholder perspectives/responsibilities, outreach materials and efforts, necessary tools, and operational updates that led to a successful program. Implementing food scraps collection at a multi-family complex can seem daunting, but with the right relationships and inputs, we can divert household food discards away from the landfill and into a higher and better use.
Attendees will leave with an overall understanding of the necessary steps to implement food scrap collection programs at high-rise apartments and townhomes. They will be introduced to tools and outreach and education materials that support a successful implementation and sustained program. Finally, they will gain insight from examples of program successes and roadblocks to help them increase tenant participation, support manager/hauler/vendor relations, and optimize onsite operations.
Speakers
Jessica Aldridge, Athens Services
Title
Director of Sustainability and Zero Waste Programs
Speaker Biography
Jessica Aldridge is long-time environmental steward and over 15-year waste industry leader. She is an award recipient of the international 2021 Women in Sustainability Leadership and the 2016 inaugural Waste360, 40 Under 40. For over 10 years with Athens Services, she designs programs for the most challenging waste scenarios, consults with corporate brands, and advances Athens’ environmental goals. She leads on Athens’ organics and Zero Waste outreach and education programs. Jessica hosts/produces EcoJustice Radio an award-winning podcast and radio show (on KPFK Los Angeles and KPFT Houston), presenting environmental and climate stories from a social justice frame.
Abstract Title
Designing Outreach With Success In Mind
Speaker Abstract
Jessica Aldridge, from the waste hauler Athens Services, will review their multi-family food scraps collection manual and outreach material including signage, recycling cheat sheet, residential handouts, and online What Goes Where Guide. The multi-family manual is designed for Property Managers and is an easy-to-reference guide that includes a step-by-step check list, communication templates, lease language, and participation surveys.
Jennifer Duet, Athens Services
Title
Sales Strategy Manager
Speaker Biography
Jennifer Duet has been in the waste and recycling industry for over 17 years. She is SWANA certified in zero waste principles and practices and is True Advisor certified through the USGBC. As the Sales Strategy Manager for Athens Services, she oversees outreach and operational strategies and large account management within the City of Los Angeles. In her tenure, she has led the onboarding of major accounts during the recycLA waste franchise transition and the development of the Athens City of Los Angeles Organics recycling program.
Abstract Title
Managing Hauler/Property Relations and Operations
Speaker Abstract
Jennifer Duet of Athens Services will focus on how the waste hauler manages relationships and logistics, identifies cost savings through right sizing, and assists with onsite outreach efforts. We will also address Athens tips for waste infrastructure and operations updates and resident engagement.
Sammy Davies, EcoSafe Zero Waste Inc.
Title
Sustainability Programs Manager
Speaker Biography
Sammy Davies is the Sustainability Programs Manager at EcoSafe Zero Waste. As a climate-conscious educator, she leads program development, online training, and advocacy engagement to drive adoption of composting initiatives across North America. She has trained various distribution networks on jump-starting commercial composting programs to enhance food waste collections for haulers, restaurants, universities, multifamily complexes, grocery chains, large stadiums, and outdoor events. She is an active committee member of the USCC Target Organics Hub as the Marketing Co-Chair, aiming to simplify the implementation and execution of composting programs.
Abstract Title
Tools are Key
Speaker Abstract
Sammy Davies of EcoSafe Zero Waste will address the importance of utilizing kitchen containers, bags for food scraps, and bag dispensers to decease contamination and increase participation. She will also highlight other successes around North America.
Aryn Thomez, Prime Group
Title
Vice President of Property Management
Speaker Biography
Aryn Thomez is the Vice President of Property Management for Prime’s flagship asset, Park La Brea and the entire Los Angeles region. She joined Prime in 2021 and has over 18 years of experience in multi-family operations, asset management, and capital improvements. Ms. Thomez has her ARM and CPM certifications and is an active member of the Institute of Real Estate Management and the California Apartment Association. Prior to joining Prime, she worked for Greystar where she oversaw their Southern California region for their newly developed and owned assets.
Abstract Title
Property Implementation and Tenant Relations
Speaker Abstract
Food scraps collection has been implemented for a housing development of 4,255 units. Successful multi-family food scraps collection can divert significant amounts of food discards from the landfill, while identifying cost savings. In this session the waste hauler, third party vendor, and property manager will review their comprehensive approach, outreach and logistics strategy, residential engagement approach, operational and infrastructure optimization, and appropriate tools for tenant participation.
Moderator
Cynthia Vant Hul, MPA, DBE, SBE, WBE , Mariposa Eco Consulting, Inc.
Title
Resource, Recovery & Recycling Consultant, and President