# 6 in a series of 10 case studies

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI


Photo of Western Michigan U




How specifications were used to reduce construction waste




The specifications required the contractor to separate and salvage or recycle waste materials. The contractor required each subcontractor to separate and salvage or recycle its own materials. Subcontractors reported that their bids did not increase due to the salvaging measures and that they were getting used to recycling on the job. Individual workers responsible for contaminating bins were fined to cover the cost of cleaning up the contamination.

Project Description

Renovation and new construction of university science labs and offices; public sector


Building Size

250,000 square feet


Project Status at Time of Publication

Demolition phase complete


Waste Impact

Demolition waste was reduced


Project Costs

reduced
stayed the same
increased


Local Landfill Fee

$57/ton


Contact

David Dakin
Campus Planning
Extension & Engineering
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
616-387-8543



Printed by Triangle J Council of Governments, publishers of WasteSpec: Model Specifications for Construction Waste Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling. For further information or a WasteSpec order form, call 919-549-0551 or email Judy Kincaid, at mailto:%20jkincaid@tjcog.org.