855773667-LEED-v5-O-M-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 212

Extracted Content

Option 2. Waste Collection Management and Education

The effectiveness of a waste management system depends on proper labeling, education, and appropriately sized containers. Inadequately sized bins can lead to overflow and improper disposal. Clear labeling, ongoing education, and choosing the right-sized containers can help to ensure users understand and follow waste sorting practices, improving overall system performance.

INVENTORY, EVALUATE, AND REVIEW

Assess the capacity and placement of each container to confirm appropriate sizing and that collection schedules reduce GHG emissions from unnecessary truck trips. Performing this inventory helps prevent overflow, underutilization, or contamination of waste streams.

Teams must develop a comprehensive inventory of the waste collection infrastructure. This includes clearly labeling receptacles for recyclables, compostables, landfill/incineration waste, and any other applicable diversion streams. The inventory must also include the location of all collection bins, number of bins for each material or collection type by place, the size of bins, what condition the bins are in, the status of the labels, and pickup frequency for each bin.

Periodically reviewing collection containers allows for continually improving and optimizing the waste management system in place. Establish a strategy and frequency for periodically reviewing the waste management system.

TRAIN

Teams must train staff and users including contractors, vendors, consultants, and other on-site staff on the acceptable items for each receptacle type at least once within the 12-month reporting period. Projects shall designate at least one team member to take on the role of waste prevention leader to help oversee waste reduction efforts, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement best practices. The waste prevention leader must provide regular progress updates to employees.

Option 3. Zero Waste Audit

A traditional waste audit examines the contents of recycling and waste bins to evaluate contamination rates and identify areas for improvement. A zero waste audit, on the other hand, provides a more holistic approach by analyzing all materials entering and exiting the building. It focuses on reducing waste by identifying opportunities for reuse or recycling, optimizing container sizing, and improving labeling and sorting practices. This type of audit extends beyond the waste bins, involving procurement teams, outside vendors that generate waste, facility staff, department staff, and waste/recycling haulers. A zero waste audit explores strategies to

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 202