Buy Recycled

Green bag with recycling logo on the side of bagDo the next “R”! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot (compost), and ReBuy (buy recycled). Postconsumer recycled material is derived from products that were purchased, used, and then recycled by a consumer. This recovered material (e.g. paper or plastic water bottles) becomes feedstock for new products. Buying postconsumer recycled-content products (RCP) reduces pollution, saves landfill space, creates California jobs, and supports small businesses. Buying recycled also:

  • Closes the recycling loop and conserves resources.
  • Reduces raw material extraction and preserves wildlife habitat.
  • Reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Helps create market demand and competition.

Searching for Postconsumer Recycled-Content Products?

The Recycled-Content Product Manufacturers (RCPM) directory includes innovative recycled-content
product manufacturers in California. These California-based manufacturers use recycled materials as
feedstock to make new products. Those interested in searching the directory may include:

  • Consumers–look for “green” products made in California.
  • Retailers–find potential wholesale agreements to stock your storefront.

RecycleStore is a CalRecycle resource you can use to search for highlighted California manufactures of recycled products located in designated California Recycling Market Development Zones (RMDZ) throughout the state.

See more Buy Recycled resources for a more detailed list of tools and reference from CalRecycle and other sources.

Other Buy Recycled Activities

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

EPP is the procurement of goods and services that have a reduced impact on human health and the environment compared to competing products serving the same purpose. It is an essential part of our search for high quality products and services at competitive prices. CalRecycle’s EPP site provides a collection of available tools and other resources to help individuals and organizations initiate or improve their EPP performance.

Organics/Composting

CalRecycle works with the industry regarding permitting and building infrastructure in California. CalRecycle promotes composting, mulching, grasscycling, and other actions related to the management and use of organic resources.

Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

CalRecycle works with the industry to identify ways to reduce building construction and demolition debris going to landfills, recycle more materials, and meet California’s mandated diversion goal of 50 percent.

Tire Derived Products

CalRecycle works with the tire industry and manufacturers to promote products made from California recycled used tires, such as building construction, traffic control, road and paving, playgrounds, landscaping as well as consumer products.

For more information contact: Business Assistance, bzassist@calrecycle.ca.gov.