Construction, Remodeling and Demolition Waste

Construction, Remodeling and Demolition Waste

In the metro region, an ordinance entitled Enhanced Dry Waste Recovery Program (EDWRP) requires that dry waste from construction and demolition be processed at a dry waste recovery facility to pull out recyclables before the waste is dumped in a landfill. Portland has additional requirements. For all building projects within the city where the total job cost (including both demolition and construction phases) exceeds $50,000, the general contractor shall ensure that 75% of the solid waste produced on the job site is recycled. 

Event Recovery and Master Recyclers

Event Recovery and Master Recyclers

Big or small, community gatherings can generate a good deal of waste and consume large quantities of natural resources. Event organizers may know a lot about organizing a marathon, but not what materials can be recycled, how to create clear signage, and how to order containers for recycling.

Here are a couple of case studies of projects where Master Recyclers have planned, implemented and evaluated recovery at events. In 2010, Master Recyclers offered their expertise in waste recover to help over 15 community organizations green their events, helping recover thousands of pounds of waste and offering public education to almost 11,000 participants. 

Radiant and Resourceful

Radiant and Resourceful

Congratulations to Lane’ Bigsby, née Richards (Class 39), on a super sustainable wedding. There are few places more appropriate then a wedding to pause and reflect on values.

Lane’ showed that being resourceful in wedding planning can have stunningly beautiful results, be sustainable and refocus energy where it is important. Each detail (from the dress to the dishes) had a life and purpose before and after the wedding. She gathered gently used materials to repurpose for the celebration and then ensured that there was a plan for each item after the wedding. This approach is nicely symbolic of how two people came together with their own histories for a wedding celebration and then plan to sustain the relationship long after that day.

Master Recyclers Dig Hanging with the Worms at PCC Rock Creek

Master Recyclers Dig Hanging with the Worms at PCC Rock Creek

On May Day, 2010, a lucky dozen Master Recyclers toured PCC Rock Creek Campus’ vermicomposting closed-loop system. Hosted by Erin Stanforth, PCC Rock Creek Sustainability Coordinator, Master Recyclers learned about the innovative efforts employed at the school. Later this year, 200 gallons of weekly post-consumer waste from the school will become feedstock as part of an innovative UK-developed composting effort on campus. Kelly Bryan (Class 35) Wrote about what they learned.

Serving the Portland metro region in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.