Gainesville Zero Waste Ordinances

The North Central Florida Apartment Association (NCFAA) engaged the Gainesville City Commission on two zero waste ordinances throughout May, 2022. The Gainesville City Commission adopted the food waste and solid waste ordinances June 2nd, 2022, to accomplish their goal of becoming a “Zero Waste City”. The Zero Waste Subcommittee, which is composed of members of the city commission, essentially drafted and completed the ordinance prior to it reaching the full city commission. Unfortunately, this meant that the ordinance had significant support before it was even put up for a formal vote by the entire commission. 

However, NCFAA was able to meet virtually with individual members of the city commission, and explain our concerns over the ordinances and the impact they will have on the apartment industry. The commission, during the final hearing, agreed to NCFAA’s request to extend the reuse plan by 6 months for apartment communities, with 200 or more units. The reuse plan is now required by June 1, 2023 for those communities (previously was…). Below, you will find the newly mandated requirements for apartment communities.

The commission built the ordinance in a way that staff would be able to clear up portions of the ambiguity through “rule making” process. NCFAA will engage staff to discuss the compliance of certain containers for both the recycling and food waste containers. The association wants to be sure that these newly required containers will be the least obstructive for operation purposes. 

Meeting with local elected officials is an important key piece of our advocacy efforts, which are to protect the apartment industry. If you have any questions about NCFAA's advocacy efforts or you would like to become more involved you can contact Johnmichael, Local Government Affairs Manager, at johnmichael@faahq.org or by phone at 407-960-2910.