The bureau has a diverse waste stream consisting of office and industrial materials. The bureau recycles and recovers a range of materials including: commingled materials (glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum), bulk scrap metal, e-waste (electronics), lighting, batteries, toner cartridges and construction debris. The bureau also composts food waste and yard debris. Employees are encouraged to reduce waste, reuse supplies when feasible, and recycle. 

City bureaus have a target of recovering (recycling and composting) 90% of waste generated from internal operations. The Water Bureau's annual "recovery rate" at its facilities (including the Interstate facility) is between 70-75% including scrap metal. This rate does not include Water Bureau recycling or composting located at the Portland Building. These materials are tracked separately by the City's Bureau of Internal Business Services. For information on commercial and business recycling in the City, visit the following resource.