This prerequisite is very easy to achieve. Teams need to provide space to store recyclables within the building, and provide waste haulers with easy access to collect materials. Projects are not required to provide a specific amount of space, although the LEED Reference Guide does include recommended square footages based on building size.

To ensure the space is large enough, consider how much space is needed to meet the building’s anticipated recycling needs, and even consider getting recommendations from your hauler.

Teams should be aware that recycling one waste stream is not sufficient to earn this prerequisite. The building must be able to offer recycling programs for the following materials: mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals. In addition, hard-to-recycle materials such as batteries, mercury-containing lamps, and electronic waste must also be considered for storage and collection.

What’s New in LEED v4

• The credit now includes batteries, mercury-containing lamps, and e-waste as materials requiring dedicated storage. Project teams can choose two of those three.
• The required number of waste streams with dedicated storage was increased from three to four for retail projects.