Sustainable Purchasing

Sustainable purchasing practices demonstrate the county’s commitment to reducing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of its purchases. This includes the pursuit of opportunities to incorporate more sustainable purchasing practices through contracting language, vendor requirements and services, as well as requiring environmental certification and product transparency. Purchasing contracts and supplies include office supplies, janitorial supplies, construction materials, energy purchasing, disposal services, and more. The county’s office supplies contract addresses a request for post-consumer recycled content in office paper, a preference for more sustainable options in other products, and requires a take-back program for recycling ink and toner cartridges.

The county requires not just the proper and effective means of recycling, but we use language in our service contracts requiring vendor support and expertise in reducing contamination and increasing the amount of our materials that are recycled. That covers traditional recyclables, but also proper disposal of electronics and hazardous materials, which reduces environmental contamination.

Green Cleaning Program

Allegheny County is implementing a green cleaning program for in-house janitorial services for county-owned facilities. Cleaning products can contain harsh ingredients that may cause anything from mild skin irritation to inflammation of the lungs and skin to cancer. These ingredients can also be harmful to wildlife and contaminate our water systems. This program is meant to provide a safer and healthier workplace for custodians and employees alike while lessening our environmental impact.

In order to be part of the county’s comprehensive Green Cleaning Program a cleaning product must have an ingredient disclosure form for all ingredients and meet one or more of these requirements:

• Receive a third-party eco-certification such as: EcoLogo, Green Seal, or EPA Safer Choice
• Not contain any ingredients that can be found on a Restricted Substance List or Designated List
• All ingredients should be designated as EPA Green Circle – Low Hazard

Exceptions are made for disinfectants, hand sanitizers and specialty cleaning needs.