Community Environmental Services

CES is a research and service unit of PSU that provides opportunities for students to get real world experience in waste management, preparing them for careers. In the process, they provide excellent technical assistance and research for partners looking to minimize their waste.

We do comprehensive, hands-on research to give you a clear picture of your organization’s waste stream and the impact it has on the environment and your organization’s costs. (Yes, by “hands on” we mean that our research often involves sorting through trash—but we don’t mind.)

We identify opportunities for improving waste management and make data-based recommendations for improvements.

We put knowledge to work to serve the community by finding sustainable solutions to real-world problems

We research waste management challenges that real organizations face. We test solutions, and contribute best practices to the waste management field.

We educate by hiring students to do supervised work, including research, project management, and outreach. Our partners are proud to give students hands-on experience in sustainability, while benefiting from their creative ideas to solve problems.

For over 30 years, CES has offered the opportunity for students to accomplish work in professional, collaborative settings, providing sustainability career experience with various businesses and municipalities. CES staff work on a variety of projects that further their academic and professional goals.

CES Reflects on 25 Years

Oregon is taking bold steps to tackle plastic pollution and create a smarter, more effective recycling system. The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (Senate Bill 582) transforms Oregon’s outdated recycling framework by strengthening local programs and engaging producers in building an innovative system that benefits everyone.

Community Environmental Services with CPS can help jurisdictions meet Recycling Contamination Reduction Statewide Goals by delivering hands-on, effective program support.

Our services include:

Container Labeling: Ensuring recycling bins are clearly marked for easy, correct use.
Signage and Outreach Materials: Designing and distributing signage, mailers, and internal containers to reinforce recycling best practices.
Cart Tags and Feedback Tools: Providing “Oops!” tags and other messaging to reduce contamination at the source.
Inspections and Audits: Conducting contamination audits and helping respond with tailored education and outreach.

Customized Education and Projects: Implementing other initiatives that strengthen contamination reduction efforts.

We have a thirty-year history of partnering with jurisdictions to provide students with hands-on waste-management work experience through projects like this. Let us help you design a project that responds to the requirements of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. Get in touch with us to learn more.

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