This prerequisite is very easy to meet. You only need to provide one space to store recycling. You are not even required to have a specific square footage, although the LEED Reference Guide does provide recommended square footage based on building size (see table below). To size this space properly, also consider the building’s needs and recommendations from your recycling hauler.

Recycling plan not required

Providing recycling bins for occupants in places like offices and kitchens is a good idea, but is not required for this credit. Nor do you have to actually implement a recycling plan. You simply have to provide the area for centralized recycling collection. 

Simple documentation

When documenting this credit on LEED Online, you’ll simply write a narrative that details the size and accessibility of the recycling storage area, the expected volume of recycling and the frequency of pick-ups. Demonstrate that the area is located and sized properly.

You’ll also need to check a few boxes confirming that you’ve provided recycling space for corrugated cardboard, metal, plastic, glass and paper, and upload a plan showing the location of the recycling storage area.

Change in LEED for Schools

In LEED v2, LEED for Schools projects were required to include a space for landscape debris in addition to recycling storage. This requirement has been dropped for the current version, LEED 2009.