CI 2009 MRp1: Storage and Collection of Recyclables

Sheela, as we state in the Bird's Eye View above, you are not required to have a specific square footage to meet this prerequisite. The CA guidelines may be a useful reference but are not a LEED requirement.

Hi Jennifer,
This credit used to be about just providing a dedicated area of appropriate sf, and the documentation focused on locating that area and its size (even though size was not a requirement).

Now the comments we are seeing suggest you also need to discuss the process for collecting recycling throughout the space, and you need to provide metrics for how much recycling is collected and disposed of on a routine basis.

I now provide a floor plan with all the recycling containers throughout the space identified (in addition to the primary collection area) and a narrative that talks about the size of cans at desks, copy stations or kitchen areas, etc. How often they are emptied and how full they are at that time.

I do not believe you would be "required" to have a recycle station at reception, but you would likely include something in your narrative about how that type of recycling would be handled.

And yes, we do cover all of this information in the credit template, including a plan with recycle areas hatched and noted. Thank you!

Why does your project boundary not include any land area? I would need to know more, but this may be an issue. Normally any land closely associated with building operations should be within the boundary—this would include recycling area. On the other hand, the MPR supplemental guidance says that some areas can be outside the boundary, but still used for credit compliance.

This seems to be a new challenge by reviewers, as there is no known formula or standard practice to calculate 'expected volume of recyclables'. Howard Williams' approach below is basically part of a Solid Waste Assessment that could be done for any facility type. Looking through resources, such as those found at the California Integrated Waste Management Board's posting, may be your best bet to identify a method that will offer this volume information (see case studies and approaches in Establishing A Waste Reduction Program at Work participant's manual at http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Publications/default.asp?pubid=776 ).

We're getting these comments also, and I admit to a little frustration about the relevancy of this metric. We are all guessing and spending time on a methodology for a requirement that doesn't require compliance with any metric. In my experience with other credits, it is the USGB's job to set the methodology and the standard. What is the point of this comment? Has anyone had a denial of the "metric" they provided subsequent to getting this comment?

Caupolican, there is not a specific credit requirement relating to square footage. I would consider whether the space allotted seems adequate for the project.

The LEED requirement is for a minimum of paper, plastic, cardboard, glass plastics and metals - there is no verbaige concerning the variety of these materials, so I think you are fine. You didn't mention glass though, which could be a problem.

Ellen,
Thank you! Yes, they are NOT recycling glass. I read the requirement and it sounds like we will just have to have a collection bin for glass and contract that separately. From what you say, though, the metal and plastic won't be a problem. THANK YOU!

No problem Patricia. As a side note, I was able to get GBCI to make an exception to the glass on an arena project that would not be selling glass products nor allowing people to bring glass containers in. It was a special case and not applicable across the board, but my point is that they will be flexible as long as you can realistically back up your argument. Hope this helps.

You've been an incredible help! Thank you again! Very interesting about the arena project, but it makes sense. I'm glad to hear that GBCI was flexible in your case.

I actually have the same question. And I do not think 'volume' refers to the size of the room, but to the size of the bin.

The forms asks:
"Describe the dedicated recycling storage areas in the project space. Include the size of the area, accessibility, and expected volume for the project space, as well as collection frequency. Demonstrate that recycling storage areas are appropriately sized and located."

How do you go about estimating the volume of recyclable waste occupants will produce per collection period? This is the only way you can prove you're sizing your collection bins appropiately.

Has anyone done this?

We have never had to calculate the estimated "volume" of recyclable waste occupants would produce. We have only provided an "appropriate" amount of storage space to collect recyclables. Has a reviewer made this comment to what you submitted? If a reviewer specifically asked for this I would survey a similar client with similar space usage and get an idea of what their waste volume is and use that number. But I doubt a reviewer would ever ask for this information, as the reference guide does not provide guidance on how to make this calculation.

We use 40-gallon recycling receptacle/containers placed in various areas within an office of 80 people.
1 for paper
1 for alum
1 for glass
1 for plastic
Cleaning crew nightly transfers to larger collection area accessed by recycling company.

Based on my visual observations, the daily volume is rarely more than each @ 1/8 full.
(No, I don't have a recycling fetish, just work late and usually see the cleaning crew dealing with it.)

Safe estimate: 5 gal/day @ 80 people = .06 gal. per person per type recycling container.

This is what we're using as the calculation for our own new offices.

Lisa, I did get this question from a review team. On my most recent project, the review team pended MRp1 because my narrative did not indicate the estimated volume. I have worked on a number of LEED projects and found this to be an odd question... but the credit form does request it. I'm going to use Howard's methodology to address my review comments. Thanks!

Peter, is your primary concern earning MRp1 for the tenant space, or from a more practical standpoint, simply being able to recycle stuff if you're the tenant?

To earn MRp1 for the tenant space, you'll need to make sure the necessary space is available somewhere—sounds like this would need to be in the tenant space in your case. This will earn the prerequisite.

You'd then want to set up a contract with the hauler if the owner isn't going to do that, but this is not strictly a requirement for MRp1.

I think we've got this covered but your reply begs for a follow up question. Sounds like you are saying that a contract with a hauler is not a requirement of this pre-requisite. That being the case, an interior project is compliant simply for providing space for recycling to take place but not necessarily doing so? I don't think you mean this, do you?

Shhhhh.... don't let the word get out.... it might lead to fewer buildings following through on recycling plans. ;)

But yes, this prereq makes you allocate the space for collecting recycling, but does not require an actual recycling program.

Once you're operating, and eligible for LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems., you'll need that recycling program, of course, so don't skip it!