BizRecycling is looking for people who live in apartment buildings and want to inspire their neighbors to reduce waste and recycle better. Selected individuals will learn about the waste and recycling system through a 6-week training and then help educate their neighbors about how to discard items in a way that benefits public health and the environment.
What does an Apartment Recycling Specialist do?
Attend orientation. Orientation will be on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You will meet other Apartment Recycling Specialists and your recycling mentor. We will discuss the details of the program, and specialists will learn the nuts and bolts of recycling and waste management issues in apartment buildings. Orientation will be held virtually on Zoom.
Complete the Ramsey County or Washington County Recycling Ambassador Program. During this six-week training, you’ll learn all about environmental health, waste systems and recycling. Workshops will take place both in-person and virtually using Zoom. Workshops are on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 15 – Oct. 20, 2026.
Educate and reduce waste at your apartment building.
Provide residents with tips and resources for waste reduction, recycling and food scraps collection
Update trash and recycling signage
Monitor the building’s garbage and recycling containers for proper use
Coordinate activities to support donation and/or recycling of materials such as mattresses/furniture, clothing, food scraps, plastic bags/film and other materials that are harder to recycle
Commitment
Apartment Recycling Specialists commit to six months. You may extend your participation up to 18 months.
Compensation
Specialists will receive a monthly stipend up to $250 for completing an average of 2-3 hours of activities per week.
Eligibility Requirements
Currently live in an apartment or other multi-unit building with five or more units in Ramsey or Washington counties
Plan to maintain a lease in the same building for the duration of the program (a minimum of six months)
Be able to provide a completed W-9 form for monthly stipend
Be able to spend an average of two to three hours per week on Apartment Recycling Specialist activities
Be able to attend all applicable trainings and meetings for the program
Submit a monthly report of hours and completed activities (a form will be provided)
Apply to be an Apartment Recycling Specialist!
Complete the online application by August 15, 2026.
After application review, applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the program, on a waitlist, or don’t meet program requirements (see eligibility requirements above).
Selected specialists will begin the program on September 8, 2026.
We want to work with as many residents as possible! However, this program does have limited spots, so you may be placed on a waitlist.
Thank you for your interest in waste reduction and recycling!
Apartment Recycling Specialists can improve the waste management operations and sense of community pride at your property. Coupled with technical assistance and grant funding from BizRecycling, you may see the following benefits:
Reduced recycling and trash bills
Reduced contamination in recycling
Cleaner common areas
Increased community collaboration
Increased recycling participation
Positive environmental benefits
Help us recruit an Apartment Recycling Specialist for your property!
