# Subtitle 33 – Purchase of Recycled Products

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 33-1 “Recycled paper” defined.

Balt., Md., Code art. 5, § 33-1 (2026)

In this subtitle, “recycled paper” means a paper product meeting the Environmental Protection Agency recommended content standards as defined in 40 C.F.R. Part 250.

*History: Ord. 91-772*

## § 33-2 Purchasing requirements.

Balt., Md., Code art. 5, § 33-2 (2026)

Whenever feasible or practicable, the City shall use the following guidelines in procurement of paper and other goods:

(1) To the extent practicable, in procuring paper or paper products, the City shall purchase or approve for purchase only supplies that are produced from recycled paper and are recyclable.

(2) Of the total volume of paper that the City buys, at least 20% shall be recycled paper with a projected goal of 40%.

(3) No non-recyclable polystyrene products or products packaged in non-recyclable polystyrene shall be purchased.

(4) Where practicable, contracts shall specify that materials must be packaged in recycled and recyclable materials.

(5) In the purchase of non-paper goods, the Purchasing Agent shall review product specifications, and shall revise specifications, where appropriate, to include recycled content in the following product areas:

  (i) re-refined oil;

  (ii) plastic products;

  (iii) auto parts;

  (iv) compost material;

  (v) aggregate;

  (vi) insulation;

  (vii) solvents; and

  (viii) rubber products.

(6) To the extent practicable, no inks containing toxic components shall be used in any City publication.

(7) To the maximum extent possible, all photocopiers purchased by the City shall be capable of doing double-sided copying and using recycled paper.

(8) Wherever practicable, durable rather than non-recyclable disposable products shall be purchased.

*History: Ord. 91-772*

## § 33-3 Use requirements.

Balt., Md., Code art. 5, § 33-3 (2026)

(a) Whenever feasible, all documents over 6 pages photocopied by the City shall be copied on both sides of the page.

(b)

  (1) Contractors doing business with the City shall be advised of the City’s policies regarding recycled and recyclable materials.

  (2) All bids and proposals shall be submitted on recycled and recyclable paper printed on both sides, where practicable, with removable or reusable bindings or staples.

(c) Any consultant producing reports for the City shall use recycled and recyclable paper printed on both sides, where practicable.

*History: Ord. 91-772*

## § 33-4 Board of Estimates’ authority.

Balt., Md., Code art. 5, § 33-4 (2026)

The provisions of this subtitle and their applications are subject to the authority of the Board of Estimates as set forth in Article VI, §11 of <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter">the City Charter</cite>.

*History: Ord. 91-772*