1. Title page
This is the 1st draft of a proposal for the institutionalization of a Recycling program at Portland State University

2. Where We Are:
PSU is an urban university with the largest student population in the State of Oregon.
PSU has 22,000 students, 1,800 faculty and staff, 40 buildings and 3.3 million square feet of building space.
PSU is more heavily populated than 64% of Oregon’s counties and 94% of her cities.

3. Where We Are:
PSU landfills over 2000 tons of material per year (162 tons per month).
PSU currently has a recycling rate of 15%; the recycling rate increases to 18% when the 70 tons per year of landscaping debris sent off site for composting is included
PSU needs to increase the recycling rate by 32% in order to be in compliance with the City of Portland's requirement for commercial generators to recycle 50% of their wastestream.

4. Where We Are:
PSU has a long history of attempted recycling programs traditionally consisting of student and faculty initiatives.
To achieve an increased diversion rate, the recycling system needs to be administered as a fully integrated program that is part of the daily operations of the University itself.
PSU has had a limited and uncoordinated recycling program since With the recent hiring of a Sustainability coordinator, PSU is finally in a position to institutionalize a comprehensive recycling program.

5. Where We Want To Be:
The mission of PSU Recycles! is to change and manage the waste disposal habits on campus.
PSU Recycles! goals include:
Reducing PSU’s overall waste production.
Increasing the availability and visibility of recycling options on campus.
Educating all students and staff on the benefits of waste reduction and recycling.

6. Where We Want To Be: PSU Recycles! will meet these goals by:
Building a strong campus identity that promotes recycling and waste prevention in a creative, meaningful manner.
Providing responsive, conscientious service that meets the needs of the PSU community.
Constantly re-evaluating the program, identifying gaps, and implementing new services as needed

7. Where We Want To Be:
PSU Recycles! will develop in three distinct phases.
PHASE 1:
(April 2002-March 2003)
Establish baseline data
Survey campus for recycling attitudes and perceptions
Design collection system
Author RFP and new waste hauler/recycling contracts
Begin development of awareness and education program
Increase effectiveness and service at existing recycling rooms
Run pilot projects to identify program needs

8. Where We Want To Be: PHASE 2: Hire "Recycling Coordinator”
(Spring 2003-Summer 2004)
Hire "Recycling Coordinator”
Purchase recycling containers and equipment to service recycling program
Target commonly recyclable materials (paper, beverage containers, cardboard) by adding public depots and expanding office recycling
Engage campus participation
Implement tracking system
Evaluate program
Expand recycling services to reach 50% recycling rate

9. Where We Want To Be:
PHASE 3:
(Fall 2004 and on)
Expand recycling and waste prevention program to target:
Construction and demolition waste
Compostable materials (including food waste)
Office Supply
Surplus furniture
Electronic equipment
Styrofoam
Batteries
Toner and Printer Cartridges
Plastic Film
Evaluate and expand services as needed

10. How We Get There:
Research and experience show that successful university recycling programs share certain characteristics. PSU Recycles! will focus on the following seven:
Labor
Equipment
Recycling Depots
Facilities
Education and Outreach
Partnerships
Cost Avoidance and Revenue

11. How We Get There: Labor
The key to a successful recycling program is consistent, conscientious, and courteous service. To insure this, a full time Recycling Coordinator is essential. A recycling coordinator would:
Train employees
Schedule employees and daily pick-up routes
Identify and implement cost savings practices
Locate recycling markets to maximize revenue
Develop recycling and waste reduction educational materials for staff and students
Collect and maintaining records for monitoring and on-going evaluation
Assist in the development of campus wide recycling policies and procedures
Maintain and inspect recycling areas for cleanliness and usage
Cover for absent employees or in emergency situations

12. How We Get There: Labor
In addition to the Recycling Coordinator, PSU Recycles! will initially need 36 hours a week of student labor (more hours will be needed as the scope of services increase).
PSU Recycles! will utilize student employees in order to encourage participation, minimize program costs, and provide on-the-job training for environmental sector jobs. Students will:
Be responsible for the day-to-day servicing of all containers
Sort materials to maximize revenue
Perform educational outreach to staff and students.

13. How We Get There: Equipment
To properly maintain safe and effective recycling activities on campus, PSU Recycles! requires equipment that is specialized and dedicated solely to the program. To start up service, PSU Recycles! needs:
Material handling equipment (hand trucks, pallet jack, forklift)
Vehicle that can tow containers and trailer
Trailer for servicing pick-up routes
Personal protection equipment
Pallet racking for storage of materials
Storage containers
Baling and compacting equipment (may be leased from hauler)

14. How We Get There: Recycling Depots
A significant cost of the program will be the initial purchasing of recycling depots for public areas.
To meet fire code restrictions, any containers placed in public areas will need to be approved by Portland’s Fire Marshall.
For office spaces, the City of Portland offers several bins that will be suitable for office recycling areas.
PSU Recycles! staff or volunteers will conduct departmental interviews and on-site evaluation to determine the quantity and location of these bins.
Departments will have the option of utilizing the City’s containers for free or they can opt to purchase their own containers out of their operating budget.

15. How We Get There: Facility
PSU Recycles! will need a permanent on-campus warehouse to serve as a central hub for all campus recycling activities.
At the warehouse, staff will report for work duties, sort and stage materials before they go to market, and store equipment safely each night.
The warehouse may serve as an on-campus clearinghouse for staff and student groups to find reusable goods like office supplies and furniture.
It is important that the warehouse be heated for year round use, have overhead door access, paved floors for equipment movement, restroom facilities, and a small staff area for meetings and breaks.
PSU Recycles! will need approximately square feet for its operations.

16. How We Get There: Ed. & Outreach
Working with the City of Portland’s Solid Waste and Recycling Division and PSU’s Community Environmental Services, PSU Recycles! will design and implement a series of educational tools that encourage recycling and waste reduction on campus. Potential distribution avenues include:
New staff orientation
Presentations to individual department staff
Student orientation
PSU Recycles! Website (to be heavily advertised as resource for all recycling inquiries)
Campus-wide announcements
Earth day or other campus events
Information kiosks
Educational forums

17. How We Get There: Ed. & Outreach
PSU Recycles! will also develop promotional materials to raise program awareness. They may include:
Signage for recycling containers
T-shirts
Reusable beverage mugs
Reusable lunch containers

18. How We Get There: Partnerships
PSU Recycles! will ensure programmatic success by utilizing resources from the public and private sectors.
PSU Recycles! will continue to foster relationships with local government agencies like City of Portland and Metro.
PSU Recycles! will work to further alliances with private enterprises to maximize program effectiveness and potential revenue sources.

19. How We Pay For It:
Portland State University currently spends $190,500 a year (does not subcontractors construction and demolition drop boxes) on waste disposal practices. This breaks down to:
$94,500 in hauling costs
$56,000 for 1.5 FTE employees (through PHC contract) to service paper recycling
$23,000 at Auxiliary Buildings
$17,000 for Smith Center

20. How We Pay For It:
PSU Recycles! proposes to: