LEED Certifications and Ordinances

Whether its a service that we provide or an operational procedure, at Recycling Services we take the extra step to make sure we comply with Chicago recycling ordinances. Many of our offerings can also help you earn LEED points. Regardless of your needs, we strive to provide a valuable partnership to help you meet all of the goals of your waste recycling program.

How do we assist in attaining LEED certification?

Recycling Services is pleased to support our customers in the pursuit of LEED certification. Our knowledgeable account managers have significant experience guiding buildings through their LEED performance period and will gladly lend their expertise to your project.

Total Office^TM Recycling Program

Our well-designed office recycling programs, extensive tenant education and on-going program maintenance will help you to obtain MR Credit 7 (1 point) of LEED EB: O & M by increasing your diversion rate to at least 50%. By implementing an effective building-wide program, you will fulfill the materials and resources prerequisites 1.1 and 5.1 through 5.3.

Waste Stream Audit

Our waste stream audit has been written according to LEED guidelines and will fulfill MR Credit 6 (1 point).

Closed Loop

Our Closed Loop program, a Recycling Services exclusive, is currently being considered for a LEED innovation credit (1 point).

Batteries and Toner Cartridges

Recycling Services battery recycling and toner cartridge recycling programs will allow you to obtain MR Credit 7. According to LEED, buildings must target an 80% diversion rate for discarded batteries, and toner cartridges are included in LEED’s definition of ongoing consumables, as part of MR Credit 7.

Electronics

Our electronics recycling program will assist you in recycling in meeting the recycling requirement of 75% of the durable goods waste stream during the performance period as required by MR Credit 8 (1 point). Items in the durable goods waste stream include computers, monitors, copiers, printers, scanners and fax machines.

Our closed loop partner, SCA Tissue, has tailored their recycling processes to be compliances with LEED guidelines:

Materials and Resources Credit 5.1-5.3 (1-3 Points)

Source Reduction Component of this Credit Can Be Supported by Controlled Consumption Products and Dispensers

Intuition – Electronic one-at-a-time towel dispensing
Matic – Mechanical one-at-a-time towel dispenser
Xpress – Interfolded towel dispenser

Materials and Resources Credit 4.1- 4.3: Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials (1-3 Points)

Requires Compliance with the EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines

Facial Tissue: At least 10% Post Consumer Fiber
Bath Tissue: At least 20% Post Consumer Fiber
Hand Towels: At least 40% Post Consumer Fiber

Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 10.3: Low Environmental Impact Cleaning Policy (1 Point)

Some SCA Soap Products do not contain antimicrobial/antibacterial agents

Chicago Recycling Ordinance

All of our program are designed to comply with the requirements outlined in the Chicago Recycling Ordinance. For information about this ordinance, please go to chicagorecycling.org.