The Garbage Chute & Sorter
Article Title: Using the Garbage Chute & Sorter
The Basics
The garbage chute is for bagged household trash only. To keep the building clean and the elevators smelling fresh, please never leave bags or loose trash on the floor of the chute room. If the chute is blocked, please take your bag back to your unit and notify the front desk immediately.
The Sorter System
Our chute uses a "Three-Stream" sorter. Before you open the chute door, press the button on the wall that matches what you’re throwing away:
- Garbage: For non-recyclable household waste.
- Recycling: For clean paper, plastic, and cans.
- Organics: For food waste (must be in a compostable bag).
Wait for the Green Light: The green light means the chute is on standby and ready to use. The default position for the sorter is garbage. Press the button for the selection you want, and wait while the orange light flashes. This means the sorter is repositioning. When the orange light goes solid, the sorter is ready for your chosen selection. You can open the door and drop your bag. Make sure to push the item into the chute.
The "Don't Chute" List
To prevent expensive repairs and blockages, the following items must never go down the chute:
- Cardboard: Large boxes block the chute instantly. Please break these down flat and take them to the P1 Recycling Depot.
- Glass Bottles: These shatter on the way down and can injure staff.
- Bulky Items: Rugs, small furniture, or electronics.
- Hangers: These are the #1 cause of chute "jams."
Chute Room Etiquette
The chute room is not a storage locker. Leaving trash on the floor attracts pests and creates a fire hazard. If your trash doesn't fit in the chute, it belongs in the large bins located on the P1 Level.