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History of Recycing at PSU

 

Timeline of Recycling Efforts at Portland State University

  • 1969: Former physical plant manager initiates a multi-material recycling program through student services
  • 1972: Program evolves into a non-profit group, Portland Recycling Team (PRT), which collects material from the public as well as the University. Collection of material on campus is delegated to Physical Plant. >PSU/PDX Recycling History<
  • 1973-1983: Physical Plant contracts recycling out to a variety of different recycling outfits, all claim losses from the collection of material.
  • 1983: Recycling contracted out to state sanctioned provider, Portland Habilitation Center (PHC).
  • 1992: PSU Recycling Coalition forms. Pilot program started in Cramer Hall using a student coordinator and the garbage collector (AGG Enterprises).
  • 1998: Recycling Coalition forms with members from Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU), Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) and Students for Unity.
  • 1999-2001: Coalition revived by new members. Commitment made by members to form consistent group with help from Community Environmental Services Office. Group decided to focus on adoption of sustainability policy and hiring of Sustainability Coordinator, with an emphasis on recycling. Circulated petition to gather student support (269 signatures) and drafted faculty endorsement letter (129 signatures). Waste characterization study conducted in April 2000. Referendum placed on ASPSU spring election - 83% of voters show support for the "allocation of university resources to establish the position of a Sustainability Coordinator". Sustainable Practices Advisory Committee (SPAC) created.
  • 2002: Sustainability Coordinator Hire - Team of graduate student interns hired. Begin collecting baseline information on PSU's wastestream to be used in developing expanded recycling program that will launch in conjunction with new waste and recycling hauling contract(s) (estimated to be March 2003).
  • 2003: PSU negotiates an innovative pdf Resource Management Contract with TrashCo.
  • 2004: Full time Resource Manager Hired! Kim Dinan hired as first full time coordinator for PSU Recycles!
  • 2005: Pre- and post consumer waste composting initiated in PSU's kitchens. PSU ReUses! opens for business. Chuck it for Charity, PSU's first end of the year move-out reusable collection program, kicks off. PSU is awarded a DEQ grant to create educational materials for the new apartment recycling bins that are added to each on campus apartment thanks to funding from the Student Fee Committee.
  • 2006: PSU participates in its first ever Recyclemania competition, placing 4th in the waste minimization category and 19th overall (out of 90+ schools). PSU is awarded a DEQ grant to expand recycling in academic buildings and at special events
  • 2008: PSU negotiates 2 full time recyclers into custodial contract freeing up student staff to focus on education outreach and infrastructure improvements.
  • 2009: PSU Recycles! launches into post-consumer composting at campus catered events.