Sustainable Purchasing Program

Before buying, ask:

• Can you avoid the purchase?
• Can you reuse or repurpose what you already have?
• Can you find it secondhand at Surplus?

Check the Surplus warehouse (707 S. Orcas St) or add items to your wish list. Email kcsurplus@kingcounty.gov. You’ll be notified if the item arrives. These items are free.

Need furniture? Try the Facilities Management Division’s "New to You Market" pilot for used furniture that can be redistributed to you for free or low cost.

If you must buy:

• Check for "green" contracts on the Awarded Contracts Log that have sustainable products or services on them, even if under $10,000.These are pre-negotiated deals. Look for the green heart symbol and added comments that explain the sustainable features. 
• Don't see what you need? You can "piggyback" off a contract from another public agency or national cooperative group to save time. (internal use only)

Look for products and services with these features:

• Have ecolabels (certified to environmental standards)
• Made with recycled content
• Recyclable or compostable
• Reusable or durable
• Resource efficient -- save water and energy
• Low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Biobased materials
• Electric instead of gas powered
• Refurbished
• Rent or lease instead of buy
• Free of per and polyfluoroalkyl or "PFAS" (chemicals of concern)

Support local and diverse suppliers:

Small Contractor and Suppliers (SCS): King County certification

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (OMWBE): Certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)

When done with a product:

• Use County recycling and waste contracts
• Reuse or surplus items still in good condition
• Recycle or return through supplier take-back programs
• Dispose of hazardous waste safely
• Use the "What Do I Do With...?" tool for help