Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.67
Liaison Daryl Pierson
Submission Date April 8, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Portland State University
OP-23: Waste Diversion

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.89 / 3.00 Tony Hair
Waste Management Coordinator
Campus Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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Materials diverted from the solid waste landfill or incinerator:
757.77 Metric tons

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Materials disposed in a solid waste landfill or incinerator :
1,799.76 Metric tons

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A brief description of programs, policies, infrastructure investments, outreach efforts, and/or other factors that contributed to the diversion rate, including efforts made during the previous three years:
PSU Recycles! is dedicated to creating a sustainable campus by reducing waste, expanding recycling opportunities, and increasing campus recycling and composting rates. During FY14, PSU Recycles! was responsible for diverting over 506 tons of paper, cardboard, plastic and metal; 34 tons of glass, 253 tons of organic material, and 19 tons of other materials such shredded paper, rigid plastics, and Styrofoam from the landfill. Partnership with Sequential Bio-fuels to recycle all waste cooking oil into bio-diesel. Every gallon of waste cooking oil recycled into bio-diesel prevents 16 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released in to the atmosphere. Over 3 tons of cooking oil was recycled in FY2014. Food waste is collected for composting in all dining locations, including several post-consumer stations in Viking Food Court. A residential composting program was started in December 2014. Food waste in many department break-rooms is collected for composting. Toner cartridge recycling is offered across campus. Styrofoam, batteries, and electronics are all collected for special recycling through the work order system. The PSU ReUse Room redistributes donated office and school supplies for free to the campus community, and the Surplus Property Program redistributes reusable office and classroom furniture to PSU departments or the community. Approximately an estimated 5.6 tons of these items were saved for reuse in FY2014. Chuck-it-for-Charity program collects reusable items from departing students each term and donates them to charitable organizations. In FY2014, 9.1 tons of reusable items were donated from the program. Cardboard and Styrofoam recycling collection receptacles are provided during student move-in, and the waste hauler provides extra pickups. Tray-less dining in Victors Dining Hall reduces food waste by 25-30% per person. Water Bottle Refilling Stations around campus allow users to easily refill their water bottles with filtered water, reducing waste associated with purchased throw-away plastic bottles.

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A brief description of any food donation programs employed by the institution:
Leftover (pre-served) or surplus food goes to Blanchett House Charity.

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A brief description of any pre-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:
All pre-consumer food waste is collected in the kitchens for composting.

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A brief description of any post-consumer food waste composting program employed by the institution:
Food waste is collected for composting in all dining locations, including several post-consumer stations in Viking Food Court. A residential composting program for students who live on campus was started in December 2014. Food waste in many department break-rooms is collected for composting.

Does the institution include the following materials in its waste diversion efforts?:
Yes or No
Paper, plastics, glass, metals, and other recyclable containers Yes
Food donations Yes
Food for animals No
Food composting Yes
Cooking oil Yes
Plant materials composting Yes
Animal bedding composting No
Batteries Yes
Light bulbs Yes
Toner/ink-jet cartridges Yes
White goods (i.e. appliances) Yes
Laboratory equipment Yes
Furniture Yes
Residence hall move-in/move-out waste Yes
Scrap metal Yes
Pallets Yes
Motor oil ---
Tires ---

None
Other materials that the institution includes in its waste diversion efforts:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Performance year FY2014

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.