Portland State University
OP-20: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion

Portland State University requires all major new construction and renovation projects to achieve LEED Gold minimum certification through U.S. Green Building Council under the most current version of LEED. Our Technical Design Standards is provided to all contractors prior to when work begins on a project. Division1 (General Requirements), section B (Sustainable Design), sub-sect 2 (Waste Management), PSU outlines how materials generated from these projects will be recycled. It states: a) Recycle construction materials per City of Portland standards and in accordance with a LEED certified waste management plan for major remodel and construction projects. Complete and submit the Pre-construction recycling plan/applications as required by the City of Portland. All landfill and recycling weight tickets and/or hauler invoices should be copied and routed to PSU’s Project Manager and Waste Management Coordinator to verify waste management methods and include totals in PSU’s diversion rate. b) Minimize waste as much as possible by using the four preferred strategies to waste reduction, in this order: source reduction, reuse, recycling, and waste-to-energy. c) Provide approved waste and recycling containers for common areas on each floor. Contact and coordinate with PSU’s Project Manager and Waste Management Coordinator. d) Provide approved compost containers for departmental break rooms and kitchens areas. Contact and coordinate with PSU’s Project Manager and Waste Management Coordinator. e) Ensure inclusion of approved outdoor infrastructure or containment bay for all waste management activities. Contact and coordinate with PSU’s Project Manager and Waste Management Coordinator. f) For Projects that generate light ballasts and lamps containing polychlorinated biphenyl and mercury; or other hazardous waste contact EHS.