Green Purchasing Protocols

Staff Requirements for Green Purchasing

MANDATORY Recycled Paper Product Purchasing

City department purchasers are required buy paper products that comply with SB 1383 requirements.  In a general sense most products need to have a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content with no chlorine bleach. However, each item is different so check the link above if uncertain.  For example, paper towels need to have 40% post-consumer recycled content. This “post-consumer recycled content” or PCW certification is essential – it can’t just say “recycled content”. The City needs to show compliance regularly and can be fined up to $15,000 for non-compliance, so please be diligent.

For streamlined purchasing of SB 1383 compliant paper products, the City’s Amazon Business account has been updated with a list of pre-selected compliant paper products, from copy paper to tissues and notebooks. This is the easiest way to comply!

1. Log in to your Amazon Business account,
2. Then click “Lists” in the upper righthand navigation bar to find a list titled “Preferred Paper Products.” Items on this list should additionally appear first in searches for that type of product.

NOTE: If you are NOT using the City’s Amazon Business account you MUST contact Sustainability to arrange for other methods of compliance (which includes tracking all receipts and product verification).

• View the Paper Procurement Factsheet
• See the full SB 1383 Requirements 
• View the Training Presentation 

Other Green Purchasing Guidelines

Reusable Foodware Ordinance: The Reusable Foodware Ordinance, adopted by the City of San Rafael in 2022, requires all San Rafael businesses serving food to provide reusable (for dine-in) or 100% compostable (for take-out) foodware. As City employees, we must also comply with this ordinance. When ordering food for a city event, make sure to specify that the food should be provided in 100% compostable packaging that is compliant with the Reusable Foodware Ordinance. To additionally reduce your impact, contact the Sustainability Division to provide reusable silverware for your event. An up to date list of compliant foodware can be found here.

Plastic Water Bottles: City departments are prohibited from purchasing individual-serving plastic water bottles for use within City facilities, meetings, and other City-sponsored events (See Green Purchasing Policy for more details). Instead, departments are encouraged to buy pitchers and reusable cups whenever possible! Unable to use reusable cups because of the size of the event? Try sparkling water that comes in a can! Aluminum has a higher percentage of recyclable content versus plastic, making it a greener alternative. Interested in receiving funding to purchase reusable equipment? Contact the Sustainability Division!

Composting:  City facilities are getting composting bins! It is required by state mandate that all jurisdictions compost their green waste, both at work and at home. Need some help with what goes in the compost bin? Check out the attached file “Compost” to learn more. Please print it out and place it near your closest compost bin to help fellow staff. Would your department like more guidance? Contact the Sustainability Division to set up a compost training session for your department!

Please, contact the Sustainability Team if you have any questions or need help!