Sustainable Facilities Tool General Services Administration

Landscape

Help reduce our 27 million ton per year landscaping waste habit (13.5% of all solid waste)! For construction or renovation projects, implement a Waste Management Plan and reuse or salvage materials, including plants, onsite. As part of operations and maintenance, address landscaping in the facility’s Waste Management Plan. Provide collection of recyclable materials in outdoor areas. Consider using landscape waste materials onsite, such as through a mulching mower, a wood chipper, or onsite composting. Compost or mulch 100% of the landscape waste through a commercial composting service or onsite composting. Consult environmental authorities about local regulations and a qualified horticultural or soil professional for the use of soil amendments produced through onsite composting.

Procure: Landscaping Products and Services

Resource: EPA WaterSense Professional Certification

Bundles: Landscaping: Conserving Water & Reducing Waste Landscaping: Conserving Water and Reducing Waste

Recycling Program

At a minimum, the building’s recycling program should include: paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. Paper and cardboard typically make up the greatest percentage (by weight) of the total solid waste stream, followed by food and organic waste. Therefore, waste reduction strategies should target these materials. Training of the janitorial staff and the building occupants is crucial for the success of any office recycling program along with simple, picture-orientated signage. The two predominant recycling collection methods at a building are: commingled recycling (easier for recycling companies) and single stream recycling (easier for building occupants).

Commingled Recycling

Commingled Recycling is the collection of paper/cardboard and glass/plastic/metal in separate bins, respectively. Some building recycling programs further separate the collection of recyclables so that different types (or “grades”) of paper, glass, plastics, and metals are each collected in their own separate designated bins. This is called source separated recycling and it can yield higher revenues because sorted materials have a higher market value. The benefits and challenges are similar for both commingled and source separated recycling.

Single Stream Recycling

Single Stream Recycling is the collection of recyclables, including paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal, in a single container at the building. The waste service vendor picks up and hauls these recyclables to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where the recyclables are sorted by material type and sold to end recycling markets for use in product manufacturing.

Procure: Janitorial Services

Bundles: Solid Waste & Lighting Cafeteria, Composting, & Recycling Contracts Solid Waste, Signage, & Employee Onboarding Solid Waste and Lighting

Compost

Food waste and related organic material can be converted into a nutrient-rich soil amendment through composting. To strive for zero waste to the landfill, consider placing separate food waste collection bins in the kitchen/pantry rooms where food waste is centrally generated. There are a variety of bin designs, some of which have carbon filter lids to control odors. Ask a certified commercial organics composting service for a list of acceptable and unacceptable materials, including acceptable bio-based bin liners or bags. Be aware that some commercial composting facilities do not accept meat and dairy. Ensure routine collection of food waste to control indoor air quality and pest management concerns.

Procure: BioPreferred Products

Bundles: Cafeteria, Composting, & Recycling Contracts

Recycle

If a facility collects single stream recyclables or beverage bottles and cans, a recycling compactor could reduce the number of waste shipments. The type and capacity of a recycling collection container will depend on the amount of recyclables generated at the facility, as well as the facility design and availability of space. Work with a certified recycling service provider to verify acceptable and unacceptable materials and thresholds of contamination to avoid rejected shipments of recyclables. Ensure that recycling containers are labeled with signage that includes pictures with written descriptions. Secure the containers to prevent theft and illegal dumping. Request recycling weight tickets from the recycler, particularly if they are sharing revenues or offering lower waste disposal fees resulting from the sale of recyclable commodities.

Trash

Design space to allow for centralized waste collection, in a secure area, where it does not impact indoor air quality and the use of space for other purposes (parking, shipment/delivery). Ensure that trash containers are labeled to avoid improper disposal of materials. When selecting trash collection equipment, consider the objectives of controlling pests, odors, and garbage overflow or spills, while minimizing trash shipments and conserving fuel. Trash compactors reduce the frequency of trash pick-up by simply reducing the volume of waste. This has the added benefit of saving money if the disposal price is per weight and per haul. To monitor trash disposal frequency and costs, request a report of the trash weight tickets and pick-up dates from the waste hauler. Compactors are large enclosed metal containers, typically 20–35 cubic yards in size, and are made up of a receiver box and electrical hydraulic equipment used for compaction. Both stationary and self-contained compactors are used at office buildings, but self-contained compactors provide the advantage of minimizing odors, pests, and garbage overflow or spills. To conserve energy usage, consider solar-powered trash compactors. Most compactor units will provide a 4:1 compaction ratio, however check the equipment specifications. A general reference of compactor conversion factors is provided in the table.

Compactor Volume in Cubic Yards	Approximate Weight in Tons (assuming 4:1 compaction ratio)
10	2
15	3
20	4
25	5
30	6
35	7

Construction Waste

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste consists of the non-hazardous bulky, heavy materials generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings. For construction projects, require a Waste Management Plan to recycle and to salvage C&D waste for reuse onsite or offsite at another project. Types of C&D wastes commonly recycled include: clean structural wood debris, steel, aluminum, copper, mixed metals, drywall/gypsum, concrete/cement, and asphalt. Salvaged building components include doors, windows, and plumbing fixtures. C&D waste can be collected in a single stream or separated by material type, and the value of the scrap metal or other discarded material may help to lower the project cost. Take measures to secure valuable scrap materials from theft. To monitor waste diversion, require a report of the amount (preferably by weight) of C&D waste disposed and recycled by the construction contractor.

Food Waste

Composting is the controlled biological decomposition of organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food waste, into a nutrient-rich organic matter that improves soils for plant growth. Each certified commercial organics composting facility, across the United States, accepts different types of organic waste, which may include: landscape debris (or yard waste), food waste, bio-based compostable products, and/or bathroom paper towels. Certified food waste composting facilities and food waste haulers have emerged in several cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, Boulder, and Boston. Some solid waste haulers will offer lower fees for food waste collection as compared to trash disposal. If food waste/organics composting service is available, consider purchasing bio-based compostable products that the composting company will accept. This will reduce the amount of waste disposed in the landfill and potentially lower trash disposal costs. The composting companies may be found through state and local environmental authorities or through websites maintained by the U.S. Composting Council and Biocycle.

Bundles: Cafeteria, Composting, & Recycling Contracts

Cooking Oil/Grease container

Buildings with cafeterias typically generate fats, oils, and grease (FOG), which should not be disposed in landfills or poured into sanitary sewer drains. Companies offer FOG disposal services, and collect FOG to render it into new products, like soaps and cosmetics, or convert it to fuels.

Bundles: Cafeteria, Composting, & Recycling Contracts

Cardboard

Cardboard is a common and valuable recyclable material generated in office buildings. There are two common ways of collecting it for pick-up by a recycling company: baled (cardboard baler) or open top container (dumpster).

Baled Cardboard

Baled cardboard is compacted into bundles by onsite machinery and is easier to manage due to the dense nature of the material. The average 3-foot x 4-foot bale weighs approximately 500 pounds.

Loose Cardboard

Open top containers of loose cardboard require a tremendous amount of space compared to baled cardboard.

Bundles: Cafeteria, Composting, & Recycling Contracts

e-Waste

Federally purchased electronic waste (e-waste), such as computers, printers, and mobile phones, may contain toxic constituents, as well as valuable, recoverable materials. To protect human health and the environment, individual states have enacted e-waste landfill ban laws. Federal electronics must go through a proper review before disposal. Depending upon age and condition, first look for options to reuse or refurbish unwanted electronics, and then seek certified electronic recyclers to manage electronics at the end of their life. For e-waste disposal regulations and certified recyclers, contact GSA’s Personal Property Management Officers (www.gsa.gov/property), state and local environmental authorities, and R2- or e-Stewards-certified recyclers. Collect and store e-waste in a secure area, and request a certificate of recycling from your recycler for shipments of e-waste. To avoid costly and illegal “dumping” or “abandonment” of e-waste, educate federal tenants about federal government personal property disposal rules. Tenants should also be informed of protocols and responsibilities for collecting e-waste in any building space.

Light Bulbs (lamps)

Office buildings generate a large number of spent lamps, including fluorescent lamps containing small quantities of mercury and other toxic substances. Mercury-containing fluorescent lamps are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and must be managed according to EPA and state environmental regulations. Designate a secure, labeled area to store spent lamps and package them to avoid breakage (and release of mercury vapor). Recycle lamps by having the recycler pick up (if large quantities are generated) or through a mail-in or box program. Educate building occupants and maintenance staff to keep lamps out of the trash. LampRecycle.org provides information about recycling lamps.

Note that recycling centers generally do not accept LED lamps.

Bundles: Solid Waste & Lighting Solid Waste and Lighting

Furniture

Unwanted, broken, or old furniture, generated from tenant moves or remodeling, should be kept out of the landfill if feasible. The most economical and sustainable option is to reuse the furniture, especially if it is still in good condition. Federal agencies with unneeded government personal property, like furniture or computers, must dispose of it through GSA and in accordance with Subchapter B of the Federal Management Regulation (FMR). GSAXcess.gov is the entry site for the Federal Excess Personal Property Utilization Program and the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program operated by GSA. The hierarchy of disposal is to:

• reuse the property within the agency;
• transfer the property to another federal agency;
• donate the property to eligible non-federal organizations;
• sell the property to the public;
• recycle the property;
• and lastly, to landfill it.

Flooring & Ceiling Tiles

Several carpet companies have take-back programs and recycle carpet tile. The fibers and backing of used post-consumer carpet are used as feedstock for the manufacturing of new carpet. Of the different carpet materials, nylon has the highest economic value and demand for recycling. When selecting carpet for purchase and installation, consider choosing a manufacturer that will take back carpet tiles at the end of their useful life at no cost. Organizations like CARE and CRI provide information about landfill diversion of carpet, carpet recycling, and end of life carpet options. Ceiling tiles can also be recycled and companies offer ceiling take-back programs to make new ceiling tiles. Recycling ceiling tiles keeps these materials out of the landfill and reduces disposal costs.

Waste Bins

The break/pantry room is an area where a considerable amount of organic waste (food, paper packaging, coffee grounds) and recyclables (plastic and metal beverage containers, yogurt cups) are generated. To make recycling disposal and collection convenient, place separate, color-coded, labeled bins for trash, recycling, and composting in the break/pantry room. Educate building occupants about proper disposal methods based on the recycler’s requirements. Place consistent labels and signage, with pictures, directly on the trash, recycling, and composting bins to help tenants sort waste in the appropriate bins. Provide tenants with easily accessible waste management information, on a wall-mounted monitor or building website (see an example in the SFTool Cafeteria). Teach occupants about the acceptable and unacceptable items for recycling. For example, beverage containers may need to be rinsed before recycling or dairy waste may be prohibited from composting. Also, ask the recycler what resin codes of plastic (numbers 1 to 7 stamped on packaging) they accept for recycling. Some recyclers collect all plastic in order to collect more resin codes 1 and 2, which are commonly sold and recycled.

Bundles: Cafeteria, Composting, & Recycling Contracts Solid Waste, Signage, & Employee Onboarding

Dishwasher

Installing an ENERGY STAR dishwasher and refrigerator in the break room promotes the use of reusable dishes and utensils. These appliances allow for building occupants to choose to bring reusable food containers, and to reduce the amount of food packaging, carry-out containers, and utensils in the waste stream. When appliances reach the end of their life, and if they cannot be repaired, they must be properly disposed according to EPA and state environmental agency regulations. Under the Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations, appliances with ozone-depleting refrigerants (CFCs and HCFCs) require a certified recycler to recover the refrigerant and to avoid emissions into the atmosphere. The scrap metal parts of the appliances may also be recycled, to avoid landfill disposal.

Sink/Water Faucet

Providing filtered or unfiltered water from the faucet promotes the use of reusable cups and mugs and decreases the use of plastic water bottles and the need to recycle plastic. The plastic bottle waste stream can be curbed by educating tenants about the quality of the building’s water. As an added benefit, dedicated refillable water stations also visibly promote hydration. Also, drinking water from the tap has a cost-saving benefit to both the building occupant and to the building owner (through reduced waste stream). The average price of bottled water is $1.21 per gallon, and an estimated 25% or more of bottled water is actually tap water, which is not necessarily further treated. To illustrate the scale of bottled water waste, in 2006, the equivalent of 2 billion half-liter bottles of water were shipped to U.S. ports, and only about 13% of bottles that Americans use are recycled. (NRDC.org).

Printing

“Techno-trash” (flash drives, CD/DVD, and small IT equipment) and toner/ink cartridges should be included in the building-wide recycling program so that this waste is kept out of the landfill. Some electronics manufacturing companies provide take back and recycling programs, at no cost, for small electronics equipment/accessories and toner/ink cartridges. Depending on the cartridges or ink jet recycler, the customer could receive revenue to put back into the recycling program. Consider buying refilled or remanufactured cartridges, as these can be lower cost than new with the same performance. Take steps to reduce toner cartridge use and paper waste, while saving energy and money, through a print management policy. Consider taking the following steps:

1. Set your default to “duplex” (double-sided) printing
2. Set your default to “black and white” (rather than “color”) printing
3. Set your default to “draft” quality (rather than “high” quality) printing
4. Improve your use of sleep mode for your printers
5. Set your computer’s default to a toner-efficient font (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond, Century Gothic)
6. Encourage the removal of personal printers
7. Freeze purchases of personal printers

Recycling Bin

Paper makes up a significant percentage, by weight, of the municipal solid waste stream. To maximize paper recovery, only place paper recycling receptacles in printing/support areas. By eliminating the choice of multiple receptacles, building occupants will easily discard paper in the recycling bins placed next to printers.

Supply Reuse

Through a central supply room, an exchange and reuse of office supplies can reduce waste and save money. Items to stock for reuse in a supply room include:

• binders
• pens
• pencils
• paper clips
• paper products
• staplers
• scissors
• file folders

Having a centralized supply room can also decrease unnecessary purchases or overstock of items, facilitate better management and organization of supplies, and decrease the needed space for supplies. When supplies are no longer needed, consider donation before recycling.