Required specifications

Purchasers must include these specifications, unless not possible:

• Must be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Must be on U.S. EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Preferred specifications

Purchasers should include these specifications, unless not possible:

• EO 20-01: State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) states that “reducing…the use of dangerous toxics in the products state agencies purchase will all have a direct positive effect on human health, particularly for vulnerable children …Where cost-effective and workable solutions are available that will reduce or eliminate emissions, decision makers shall select the lower-emissions options.” Surface disinfectants and non-food-contact surface sanitizers should, to the greatest extent practicable, contain only the following active ingredients because they are not linked to asthma:
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • citric acid
  • ethanol
  • lactic acid
  • isopropanol
  • chitosan
• Additional desirable environmental and health attributes of surface disinfectants and non-food-contact surface sanitizers include the following:
  • Products that have earned the EPA’s Design for Environment label
  • Concentrated products packaged in a closed-loop container that does not allow access to the concentrate
  • Products that are free of fragrances and dyes

Things to avoid

Purchasers should avoid these specifications whenever possible:

• EO 20-01: State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) states that “reducing…the use of dangerous toxics in the products state agencies purchase will all have a direct positive effect on human health, particularly for vulnerable children. When making purchasing, construction, leasing, and other decisions that affect state government’s emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) or other toxic substances, agencies shall explicitly consider the benefits and costs (including the social costs of carbon) of available options to avoid those emissions.” Accordingly, state agencies are strongly encouraged to avoid surface disinfectant and non-food-contact sanitizers that:
  • Contain chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium chloride compounds, ortho-phenylphenol or hydrochloric acid since they can cause or aggravate asthma; and
  • Are packaged in an aerosol container (e.g., disinfecting air fresheners) since they are relatively costly and can increase exposure to toxic chemicals.

Asthmagens and additional information

View asthmagens on the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) list. See products with a G (Generally Accepted), Rs (Sensitizer), Rr (RADS), or Rrs (both) designation), except for food-contact surface sanitizers that may contain a combination of peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (which is labeled as an asthmagen by the AOEC).

For more information on green cleaning and safer disinfectants, see the University of Washington School of Public Health Fact Sheet on Safer Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Strategies to Prevent Infection Transmission.

Laws, rules, and executive orders

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

• U.S. EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• EO 20-01: State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP)

Find these products on statewide contracts

Find products that meet Washington’s green purchasing specifications:

• Contract 25723: Green Janitorial Products and 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