Cal Poly Humboldt
OP-19: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion

At HSU, C&D can be a significant portion of the university’s waste stream, however it’s overall contribution fluctuates from year to year depending on the scale of projects. The California State University Administration Manual (SUAM) General Conditions Section 01151 states that, regardless of delivery method (Major Cap, Minor Cap, JOC, etc.) a minimum 65% diversion rate (by weight) is required. This Section also states that Contractors must submit a Waste and Recycling Plan, which at a minimum should identify and estimate types and amounts of waste, jobsite source separation plans, landfill options and alternatives to disposal (i.e., facilities accepting salvaged or recycled materials), and tonnage calculations demonstrating Contractor will meet or exceed 65% diversion rate requirement. This Waste and Recycling Plan must be approved by the Construction Administrator before work can commence. Upon conclusion of the project the Contractor must also submit a Reuse, Recycling, and Disposal Report, including disposal receipts indicating weights of materials landfilled or otherwise diverted. Furthermore, the University can assess non-conformance penalties to the JOC contractor, via deductive change order, for violating Recycling & Refuse Disposal Requirements: $100 per incident per day.

The HSU Sustainability & Waste Coordinator developed a Contractor Recycling Guide in 2013, and continues to update it as needed. The guide identifies diversion best practices, locations for drop off and costs. Contractors receive the Guide prior to job start. The Sustainability & Waste Coordinator also tours job sites and attends job start meetings to discuss waste diversion with contractors. See the Contractor Recycling Guide attached.

Landfill and recycling of C&D comes from mandated reporting data for contractors on campus and self-haul construction activities when campus Trades staff self-perform projects, with weights provided by local waste hauler or recycling transfer station. Go to www.calstate.edu/cpdc/cm/division_one/iwm/01151a.xls to see contractor reporting requirements. Go to https://facilitymgmt.humboldt.edu/sustainability-waste-diversion-0 for further information on Facilities Management's recycling efforts.