Multifamily Composts

NYC takes the lead

By Jessica Fiur on May 15, 2013 in News

When it comes to new multifamily communities, nowadays it’s pretty much “Go Green or Go Home.” And that’s a very good thing. With more and more people conscientious about protecting and preserving the environment, developers are taking note and incorporating eco-friendly features into the buildings. Whether it’s building to qualify for a LEED rating, incorporating Energy Star appliances into the units, or including a charging station for electric cars, the multifamily industry is becoming more and more sustainable.

And New York City has certainly stepped up its green game. The Helena, a multifamily community on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, is the first to utilize the Organics Collection Program. This program allows residents to compost items such as fruits, vegetables, egg shells, pasta, tea bags, coffee grounds and filters, bones, flowers, houseplants and soiled tissues. The residents are given small containers to sort their organics, which they deposit in bins in the trash room. So, they’re already making the trip down there—what could be simpler? All said and done, this program will divert an impressive 35 percent of resident waste at The Helena from landfills.

Hopefully more communities in Manhattan—and throughout the country—will start to participate in this or similar composting programs. And we can be sure that multifamily will continue to show its true colors (shades of green, obviously!).

Jessica Fiur is News Editor at Multi-Housing News. Find more of her insights on multifamily living on the “What Renters Want” blog.