Required specifications

Purchasers must include these specifications, unless not possible:

• Certification by Green Seal.
• Certification by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), including FSC Recycled or FSC Mixed (FSC 100 is unacceptable because it contains 100% virgin material).
• Certified or labeled process chlorine-free (PCF). (Products labeled elemental chlorine-free (ECF) meet a weaker standard that allows some chlorinated bleaching compounds).
• Green-e certified, which means it was manufactured using renewable energy (e.g., solar or wind), which is encouraged in the law.
• All copy and print jobs must use white cut sheet bond paper with the highest percentage of recycled content that will work in the equipment.
• The paper must meet the U.S. EPA CPG (minimum of 30% PCRC).
• Purchasers should offer non-cost points to copying and printing services that use white paper with 50-100% PCRC or that have any of the additional environmental and health attributes listed above.
• Use the Paper Calculator to quantify reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water use, deforestation, and other environmental benefits of purchasing recycled-content paper.

Laws, rules, and executive orders

These laws, rules, and executive orders must be included in the contract language:

• RCW 43.19A.022: Recycled content paper for printers and copiers—Purchasing priority
  • Directs state agencies to purchase 100% recycled-content white cut sheet bond paper. It also encourages state agencies to give purchasing priority to copy paper products that are manufactured in facilities that generate energy from a clean renewable energy source such as solar or wind. Accordingly, state agencies should include on their market basket list and contracts – and purchase – white copy paper in a variety of sizes (including reams, cases and pallets) with 100% recycled-content, including the highest percentage of post-consumer recycled content (PCRC) available.
• RCW 43.19A: Recycled Product Procurement
  • Sets a goal of substantially increasing the state’s purchases of recycled-content products, directs the state to set recycled-content standards, and authorizes state agencies to specify, give priority to and/or offer price preferences for products that contain recycled materials.
• DES’ Recycled Content Purchasing Preference Policy (POL-DES-255-00)
  • States, “In establishing environmental requirements and preferences for products that contain recycled materials, agencies shall reference the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (EPA CPGs) as the minimum standards for the state of Washington.” This policy also directs state agencies to offer a purchasing preference of at least 10% to bidders whose products have a recycled-content percentage exceeding the EPA CPG minimum.

Find these products on statewide contracts

Find products that meet Washington’s green purchasing specifications:

• Contract 06019: Office Supplies

End of life

Surplus goods that still can be used

• Use surplus disposal to get rid of items you no longer need. Keep materials out of landfills and make funds for your agency.

Recycling and disposal

Hazardous waste disposal guidelines and options:

• Department of Ecology: Dispose, recycle, or treat dangerous waste
• Washington Recycles