In 2001, the first waste specification plan was required for a campus construction project. The success of this plan led to a policy of requiring all construction projects to submit a "Solid Waste Management Plan" to the Office of Waste Reduction and Recyclingprior to beginning any site work. The plan includes all waste that can not be sent to the Orange County landfill, including scrap metal, cardboard, pallets, and clean wood waste in accordance with the Regulated Recyclable Material Ordinance of 2002.
In 2007-08, 253.19 tons of construction and demolition waste were recycled, accounting for 35% of total construction and demolition waste.
Additionally, any furniture removed from renovation projects is sent to the surplus property office and to local schools and nonprofits.