Seattle is home to a diverse and growing population, where over three-quarters of new housing built is multi-family housing. Managing waste in buildings like apartments and condos presents unique challenges, and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) recognizes the need for targeted support in this area. This project to increase recycling in multi-family housing was commissioned by SPU, in collaboration with Triangle Associates and Cascadia Consulting Group. Our shared mission is to improve waste reduction and diversion in multi-family buildings throughout the city.
At Triangle Associates, we are proud to support this work by serving as technical assistance providers, directly engaging with property managers, building staff, and residents across Seattle.
Our scope includes nearly 7,000 buildings, 200,000 households, and 280,000 residents; the extent of this program was significant. Working with property managers, maintenance teams, residents, and solid waste professionals, Triangle’s role was to bridge these groups through clear communication, practical support, and a
people-centered approach.
Our team at Triangle brings decades of experience in outreach, facilitation, and environmental education. SPU
called on us to provide hands-on technical assistance and build relationships with multi-family properties, helping ensure the city’s goals for waste reduction could be met.
At the heart of this project were core values of equity and environmental stewardship.
- Equity: Residents in multi-family buildings often lack direct access to SPU services. Tenants typically don’t see the cost savings that can come from reducing waste. Our work has helped empower residents and support property managers in creating better systems.
- Environment: When food scraps and recyclables end up in the garbage, they contribute to climate change and squander valuable materials. Keeping compostables and recyclables out of landfills reduces methane emissions and protects natural resources.
- Economics: Garbage collection is expensive, while recycling is often provided at no extra cost, and compost collection is more affordable. By improving sorting and reducing contamination, buildings can lower their service costs, saving money for owners and creating cleaner, healthier environments for residents.
The goal is clear: increase recycling and composting in multi-family buildings. But making this happen meant a strategic and tailored approach.
Triangle would receive referrals from SPU and then contact property managers by phone or email. An on-site meeting would be scheduled and a representative from Triangle would conduct the site visit. The site visits consisted of installing posters and bin labels, evaluating container placement and signage visibility, and documenting any issues like illegal dumping or missing services. All information was reported back to SPU then Triangle would follow up with the property to ensure progress and continued engagement.
Working with such a wide range of properties meant adapting to different needs, building designs, and community dynamics. Many residents didn’t know how their actions affected their building’s overall waste stream.
Despite these challenges, we saw real results. Buildings implemented new sorting systems and residents became more informed. Our outreach helped many properties comply with city regulations and make meaningful changes.
Through this work, we were reminded that effective waste management isn’t just about bins and trucks—it’s about people.
- Customization matters. Each property has its own needs, and taking the time to tailor support makes all the difference.
- Education drives participation. When residents and staff understand why composting and recycling matters, they’re more likely to commit.
- Collaboration creates impact. By partnering with SPU, Cascadia, and property stakeholders, we amplified our ability to drive change.
We’re proud of our role in supporting Seattle’s goals for more sustainable communities. Working alongside SPU and Cascadia, Triangle Associates continues to champion waste reduction through equity-driven outreach, education, and technical assistance. Together, we’re building a more sustainable future—one property at a time.