Buy Recycled Programs

The California Integrated Waste Management Board's Buy Recycled programs promote the State of California's policy to buy recycled-content products and other environmentally preferable products. The programs support the Department of General Services (DGS), all other State agencies, and local governments in establishing policies and practices for purchasing recycled-content products (RCP), as well as support activities that promote waste reduction and management.

Program Overviews

State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC). The SABRC is a joint effort between the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) and DGS to implement State law requiring State agencies and the Legislature to purchase products with recycled content.

Recycled-Content Product (RCP) Database. The RCP database provides access to information on RCPs as well as the manufacturers, distributors, reprocessors, mills, and converters that manufacture or supply these products or the recycled materials to make them.

Green Building. Governor's Executive Order D-16-00 sets forth California's sustainable building goals. The CIWMB is a leader in supporting green and/or sustainable building practices, seeking opportunities to use our resources efficiently while creating healthier buildings that improve human health, foster a more productive and comfortable indoor environment, and provide cost savings.

Newsprint Program. California's newsprint law mandates the use of a specified amount of recycled-content newsprint by printers and publishers located in California. These newsprint consumers must certify the amount of recycled-content newsprint consumed annually to the CIWMB.

Plastic Trash Bag Program. California's trash bag law requires plastic trash bag manufacturers to use a specific amount of plastic postconsumer material to produce the trash bags sold in California.

Other Buy Recycled Activities

RecycleStore showcases innovative recycled-content products manufactured in the Recycling Market Development Zones, and puts users in touch directly with their manufacturers.

Rigid Plastic Packaging Containers (RPPC). The Board oversees the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Act of 1991, which requires that RPPCs meet one of several criteria designed to reduce the amount of plastic being landfilled. The Board maintains a manufacturers' certification program, encourages market development, and conducts outreach activities promoting recycling of plastics.

Organics/Composting. The Board supports outreach and education efforts promoting composting, mulching, grasscycling, and other actions relating to the management and use of organic resources.

Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling. The Board works with the industry to identify ways to reduce building construction and demolition debris going to landfills and meet California's mandated diversion goal of 50 percent.

Cooperative Recycled Paper Purchasing. The Board supports activities to disseminate information about this coalition, which provides opportunities to purchase recycled paper at a discounted cost through cooperative purchase agreements.