Buy Recycled

Purchasing and Tracking Tools

Many resources are available to help you learn more about recycled-content products (RCP) and other environmentally preferable products. The following are specific tools to help you with your purchasing efforts.

• Databases, Directories, and Catalogs
• Product Libraries/Collections
• Tracking Tools

See also: Audience-Specific Resources | Product-Specific Resources | General

Databases, Directories, and Catalogs

• California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB). Search our recycled-content product database to find products, vendors, etc.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Provides a database of products that meet FSC standards.
• Green Seal. Provides updates on available recycled products.
• Recycled Products Guide provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
• Pennsylvania Resources Council. Their Buyer’s Guide to Recycled Products may help you in your recycled-content product search.
• Recycled Products Guide. A large collection of information on recycled-content products maintained by the Recycling Data Management Corporation.
• RecycleStore. An online catalog of recycled-content products produced in Recycling Market Development Zones designated by the CIWMB.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services will help you buy greener products and services by linking you to contract language and specifications, environmental standards and guidelines, vendor lists of product brands, and other useful information.
  • Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines Supplier Database
• United States General Services Administration Environmental Products & Services Guide

Product Libraries/Collections

• Alameda County. Resource-Full Showcase. The Resource-Full Showcase is a traveling environmental exhibit demonstrating recycled, reused, recyclable, and nontoxic materials in construction and remodeling. The showcase is constructed with more than 50 recycled-content and sustainable building materials.
• The CIWMB's Recycled-Content Product Library contains nearly 800 samples of recycled-content and other environmentally preferable products. To schedule a tour, contact Buy Recycled staff.

Tracking Tools

These tools were designed for California State agency use, but could be adapted for others.

• Sample Annual Purchase Summary. (Excel, 101 KB) A daily tracking tool for all purchases.
• Sample Supply Requisition. (Excel, 57 KB) This sample form captures essential tracking information--total recycled content, postconsumer content, and product categories.
• SABRC Purchase Tracking Tool. (Excel, 42 KB) For use by CIWMB contract and grant programs.