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Contracting Best Practices: Equal Capacity Commercial Bin Size and Frequency

For commercial accounts, require that the amount of recycling and/or composting services are at least equal to the disposal service provided in terms of container size and frequency of collection. Ideally, service levels should match need, so the recycling and composting service is sized for the level of materials generated. However, providing at least equal capacity is a first step.

Advantages

Easy way to ensure diversion access: Equal capacity clauses ensure that a minimum level of recycling and/or composting services are provided in a way that is simple for the local government to monitor.

Disadvantages

Equal capacity is not enough: Zero waste businesses will need more recycling and composting service than "equal capacity" provides. Aligning bin sizes and rates can also provide incentives to customize service and incentivize recycling and composting.