Recycled Product Procurement Policy

WHEREAS, the Texas Transportation Commission (the "commission") supports Texas Department of Transportation (the "department") initiatives to use recycled products and materials throughout its operations; and

WHEREAS, purchasing recycled products provides the department good quality, cost-effective products, with environmental benefits as a bonus; and

WHEREAS, the department is a member of the Recycling Market Development Board, an entity created by the Texas Legislature to develop markets for recycled materials;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that in support of department recycling initiatives the commission encourages the department to:

1. purchase recycled products whenever such products are: available, meet performance specifications and compete favorably with regard to cost
    
2. join with other member agencies of the Recycling Market Development Board in exclusively purchasing:
    
   1. business envelopes and printing, writing, xerographic, and computer paper with a minimum of 20 percent post-consumer fiber
   2. remanufactured laser printer and fax machine toner cartridges
   3. recycled-content restroom towels and tissues, and
   4. re-refined motor oil and lubricants
3. review and modify current specifications, contracts, and practices to increase the use of recycled products--especially those listed in the most recent Environmental Protection Agency Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
4. suggest that companies who do business with the department increase their product lines that contain recycled materials, and
5. gather data from relevant department offices and provide an annual report to the commission to monitor progress on recycled product purchases