Sustainability isn’t just about what goes into a building. It’s about what comes out of it, too. Thoughtfully designed site furnishings—especially waste, recycling and compost receptacles—play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact, supporting the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) goals and extending the lifespan of assets. By prioritizing multi-stream sorting, responsible materials and serviceable design, businesses can close the loop from disposal to diversion.

Recycling contamination is a serious barrier—on average, about 17% of what’s placed in recycling bins is not actually recyclable and must be discarded. That’s why clear, multi-stream receptacles matter so much. They reduce mis-sorts, lower processing costs and improve diversion rates. LEED for Building Design & Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design & Construction (ID+C) require projects to provide accessible storage and collection areas for recyclables. Avante Series receptacles make this simple with modular single- or multi-stream configurations, stream identifiers, customizable panels and decals and unique openings that encourage proper use in high-traffic indoor and outdoor settings.

Ways to Support Your LEED Sustainability Goals with Site Furnishings

1. Material choices that move the needle

The right materials support sustainability through their entire lifecycle. Commercial Zone uses at least 25% recycled content in many of its receptacles. The PolyTec™ Series uses recycled polyethylene that resists UV damage and graffiti while maintaining its structure without rusting, denting or chipping. At end of life, these thermoplastics can be recycled again, supporting circularity goals. Selecting long-lasting, recyclable materials aligns with LEED v4.1’s focus on performance and responsible sourcing.

2. Durability means fewer replacements

Every time a receptacle needs to be replaced, embodied carbon and waste increase. Durable construction and long-lasting design are often-overlooked sustainability levers. Our Avante Series receptacles feature hinged doors, security cables and weather-resistant finishes designed for demanding public environments, while PolyTec Series includes snap lids and is made using easy-to-clean materials to simplify upkeep. These features extend product lifespans and reduce operational waste over time.

3. Swap panels, not entire units

When a business rebrands, its old trash receptacles needn’t become trash themselves. Commercial Zone worked with GFL Environmental to refresh its trash and recycling receptacles by replacing only the side panels—not the entire units—saving both material and thousands of dollars in the process. Personalized panels and decals keep receptacles in circulation longer while maintaining a polished, branded look that customers will enjoy.

4. Supporting LEED goals

LEED is like a sustainability report card for your business—and the more boxes you check, the higher certification your business can receive. Commercial Zone products support a range of LEED strategies by improving collection, sorting and material performance. Multi-stream containers help meet the Material & Resources (MR) LEED Prerequisite for recyclables collection. Clear labels, color coding and right-sized streams support higher diversion rates under LEED O+M v4.1’s Waste Performance credits. Durable, recyclable materials reduce replacement frequency, helping project teams hit waste reduction and responsible sourcing targets.

Closing the sustainability loop isn’t just about diverting waste—it’s about making smart choices up front. By choosing Avante Series and PolyTec Series receptacles for indoor and outdoor spaces, organizations can help reduce contamination, extend asset lifecycles and support LEED certification efforts with minimal disruption. Browse sustainably focused site furnishings from Commercial Zone—including receptacles, benches, planters and more.