Background

Georgetown University, as a matter of sound management principles, seeks to identify practices, which involve damage to the environment, and to encourage new practices that are consistent with environmental protection. Therefore, University departments will constantly strive to promote and publicize the implementation of work/production processes, which maximize the use of recycled products, minimize or eliminate waste, seek economies and efficiencies, and reduce the consumption of energy. This policy implies a commitment to recycling. To successfully implement this policy, Department heads will be encouraged to play a leadership role.

Policy

The university seeks to maximize the recycling of waste materials. Our goal is to achieve a high level of recycling and or waste reduction of our solid waste stream. Additionally, the University wishes to establish a basis for the continual improvement of Georgetown's program.

In order to accomplish our recycling objectives, the following steps should be taken:

University Facilities, with support and guidance from the various Departments, will develop guidelines and mechanisms for campus recycling.

• Faculty and staff in all offices and departments will participate in the recycling effort by following instructions regarding the separation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials and by placing recyclable materials in appropriately marked recycling containers. Resident and commuter students are also expected to participate in campus recycling efforts.

• University Facilities (with the aid of departmental recycling coordinators) will monitor progress on recycling issues and will provide an annual summary of waste reduction. Lack of participation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

• Members of the University community are expected to work together to optimize the recycling process consistent with work productivity. 100% involvement is expected.

• In order to "close the loop," all University offices and departments are strongly encouraged to purchase and maximize the use of products made of recycled materials, especially recycled paper, preferably made with minimum chlorine bleaching and with a high post-consumer waste paper content.

• Recognizing that waste reduction is preferable to recycling, all University offices and departments are also strongly encouraged to utilize waste reduction techniques including the use of double-sided copying and electronic mail. Many paper saving techniques are appropriate to University office activities and should be employed as a matter of daily routine.

• Additionally, the University will strive (where economically feasible) to procure recycled products, products that are recyclable and or require vendors to decrease the level of packing materials in order to decrease the level of waste in the waste stream. Language related to packaging will be delineated in any resulting contract and or Purchase order.

• Paper and paper products shall be procured using competitive sealed bidding. Award shall be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder offering recycled paper and paper products of a quality suitable for the purpose intended providing that the bid price is not more than 10 percent greater than the bid price of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder offering non­recycled paper and paper products. Recycled paper and paper products means any paper or paper products meeting the EPA Recommended Content Standards defined in 40 C.F.R. (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 250.

• Printer Toner Cartridges, when available and applicable, departments will procure recycled toner cartridges via an exchange program with the vendor of choice. Cartridges utilized shall be in compliance with the equipment manufacturer specifications. Awards shall be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder offering recycled paper and paper products of a quality suitable for the purpose intended providing that the bid price is not more than 10 percent greater than the bid price of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder offering non­recycled cartridges.