Recycling Support
Return to Support AreaDesign Guidance
Overall Strategies
Recycling support stations are the backbone of a successful waste diversion plan. Well labeled and strategically placed recycling containers support ease of occupant participation. Industry-wide best practices, as available by region, support single stream recycling, eliminating trash cans at each desk in favor of recycling containers and implementing a composting program for break room and restroom waste.
Recycling containers
Recycling bins come in a variety of shapes and sizes to help keep recyclables organized and pest-free. There are large bins for breakroom and copy areas and small bins to be placed under desks. There are aesthetically pleasing bins, carts, and containers designed for all recycling waste streams. There are also bins that are made from recycled materials. Bins may require occasional cleaning to avoid fostering an environment conducive for pests.
Electronic Waste
Small electronics and batteries should be collected and diverted from the waste stream because of their high concentrations of acids and heavy metals. Local collection points can be located in LAN rooms or another spot that is accessible in an office, with a centralized collection point included with trash and recycling.
Best Practices
- Provide well labeled recycle, compost and trash containers in common areas.
- Educate occupants and janitorial staff to encourage participation and reduced contamination.
- Work with waste and recycling vendor to ensure compliance with current requirements.
- Consider replacing trash cans at each desk with single stream recycling bins to encourage occupant participation. Provide both trash and recycling bins in communal areas.
- If trash receptacles must remain at each desk use trash side-saddle trash containers on the recycle container as depicted in this rendering.
- Research your local composting options, often restroom trash can be composted.
- As equipment reaches its end of life ensure that it is properly diverted from the landfill. Computer equipment contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment if left to leach into soils.
Compare Recycling Support Options
EB = Existing BuildingsNC = New Construction and Major Renovation
Federal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Solid Waste Management ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 5.6</span>)
“Reduce waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities by recovering, reusing, and recycling materials. Provide in building design, construction, renovation, and operation for the collection and storage of recyclable materials, including, as appropriate, compostable materials. Maintain a waste reduction and recycling program, and maximize waste diversion to the extent practicable. Pursue cost-effective waste minimization during the construction and renovation phase of the building, and maximize reuse or recycling of building materials, products, and supplies.”
EPA | Waste Management Hierarchy.
Whole Building Design Guide | Construction Waste Management
2018 IgCC Section 901