Acquired Through MGN Online on 09/04/2023
PORTLAND, Ore. — A new report from the Multnomah County Auditor’s Office says the county failed to verify recycling rates on four major library construction projects, calling it a waste of public resources and a setback for environmental goals.
Auditors found that contractors relied on a waste hauler’s self-reported estimates instead of verified weights, leading to inflated recycling numbers. The hauler claimed roughly 83 percent of construction debris was recycled, but regional data later showed the true rate was closer to 17 percent.
After recalculating, only one of the four projects met the county’s 75-percent recycling requirement. Two fell below 50 percent, violating city code and the county’s green-building policy.
The audit concludes that weak oversight and inaccurate data undermined the county’s sustainability commitments and LEED certification goals. It recommends stricter monitoring of contractors and better verification of recycling reports on future projects.
Jon Eric Smith
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