From Mandates to Momentum: Driving Composting Compliance in Multifamily Housing

November 13, 2025 -

Speakers

  • Michelle Horneff-Cohen

Learn how this San Francisco property manager tackled SB1383 compliance in multifamily housing by addressing real-world barriers like language gaps, tenant turnover, and limited space. After facing contamination fines, the presenter developed practical strategies, streamlined communication, user-friendly bin designs, and visual education that increased diversion rates by 30% and reduced contamination by 20% in a 200-unit complex within three months. Discover how a partnership with property managers across California through an affiliate rebate program incentivized adoption of these solutions. The collaboration has strengthened resident participation, reinforced compliance, and demonstrated how collective efforts can drive sustainable change.

This session outlines a proven, easy, and practical process for transforming composting mandates into measurable success. Learn about rollout strategies, adaptable communication tools, and examples of effective partnerships between property managers, haulers, and municipalities. The session covers what works (like targeted signage and multilingual materials), what doesn’t (such as overly complex instructions), and how to align building-level action with broader policy goals. This session is about a practical and well-implemented strategy for sustainable materials management in multifamily settings. Whether you’re a municipal planner, hauler, or communications or planning professional, you’ll leave with actionable insights and tools to make organics compliance achievable, even in the most complex residential environments.