• Pens
• Pencils
• Mechanical pencils

Required specifications

Purchasers must include these specifications, unless not possible:

• RCW 43.19A: Recycled Product Procurement set 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.
• All pens and mechanical pencils must be refillable or contain at least one of the following:
  • 30% post-consumer recycled content (PCRC)
  • 50% total recycled content

Preferred specifications

Purchasers should include these specifications, unless not possible:

• Additional desirable environmental attributes of pens, pencils and mechanical pencils include the following third-party certifications:
  • Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) as an Approved Product (AP).
  • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (for wooden pencils).
  • Products with higher levels of recycled content than listed above.

Laws, rules, and executive orders

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

• RCW 43.19A: Recycled Product Procurement
• RRCW 70.270: Replacement of Lead Wheel Weights with Environmentally Preferred Wheel Weights
• EO 04-01: Persistent Toxic Chemicals

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