Cafeteria and Food Services Model Contract Language
Visit the model contract language webpage to learn more and view the full list of product and service categories.
On this page:
- Food Service
- Food Service Ware
- Certified Commercially Compostable Food Service Ware
- Certified Recyclable Food Service Ware
- Reusable Food Service Ware
- Commercial Dishwasher Detergent
Food Service
Optional model language:
This category is not currently covered in EPA’s Recommendations but agencies can choose to use this model contract language.
1. Food service operators are required to meet the “standard” criteria in the most recent edition of the Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities and are encouraged to meet the “innovative” criteria. For product/service categories that overlap with EPA Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels, operators are required to purchase products which conform to the standard/ecolabels included in EPA’s Recommendations:
- Food Service Ware
- First Choice: Reusable Food Service Ware
- Second Choice: Certified Compostable Food Service Ware
- Third Choice: Certified Recyclable Food Service Ware
- Commercial Dishwasher Detergent
- Bags & Liners for Compostable Organic Materials
- Bathroom tissue
- Cleaners: carpet, glass, multipurpose
- Floor care
- Hand soap
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
To view the sustainable purchasing requirements for additional product or service categories, visit GSA’s Green Procurement Compilation and browse for products on the SFTool Product Search.
2. Beverage containers supplied, provided, or sold (i.e., water and soda bottles) should not be made of single-use plastic (per EO 14057). Preferred options include beverage refill stations with reusable cups or aluminum beverage containers.
3. In accordance with FAR Subpart 26.4, executive agencies and their contractors are required to donate excess apparently wholesome food to nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to food-insecure people in the United States.
Food Service Ware
Minimum required language:
In accordance with FAR Part 23.1:
Meet statutory purchasing program requirements:
To the maximum extent practicable, certified commercially compostable food service ware products and services provided through the contract shall be certified to the following applicable single-attribute standard/ecolabel.
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Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
Optional model language incorporating additional EPA recommended labels and specifications:
Purchasers are encouraged to use the following language to ensure proper end of life management and prioritization of the food service ware sub-category options.
Compliant with FAR Part 23.1:
Meet statutory purchasing program requirements:
To the maximum extent practicable, products and services provided through the contract shall be certified to the following applicable standard or ecolabel.
First Choice: Reusable Food Service Ware.
- Multi-Attribute:
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Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard (note: this standard has low product and supplier availability)
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GreenScreen Certified Reusable Food Packaging, Food Service Ware, & Cookware
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Reusable food service ware should be used in a system that enables repeated collection, washing, and return.
Procurement of reusables should still be prioritized even if there is low certified product availability. In those cases, purchase products made from ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, or other durable less toxic materials.
Reusable food service ware is the preferred choice for federal procurement because it will use less energy and fewer resources over its lifespan if an effective reuse system is developed and operated. Procurement of reusable food service ware can also save money over time compared to single-use options.
If reusables cannot be procured for all needed food service ware,
Second Choice: Certified Commercially Compostable Food Service Ware.
- Multi-Attribute:
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Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard - Platinum Level in Product Circularity (note: this standard has zero certified products in this category)
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GreenScreen Certified Single-Use Food Service Ware & Thermal Paper
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- Single-Attribute - Commercial Compostability:
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BPI Commercial Compostability Certification Scheme
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Purchase certified commercially compostable food service ware only if a commercial composting program is locally available, accepts the product types being purchased, and collection or hauling services are procured. Three stream waste sorting (composting, recycling, and landfill) should be provided where products are used, and collection bins should be clearly labeled with exact product types to ensure only the acceptable items are placed in each bin, thus preventing contamination of the various waste streams.
When certified commercially compostable food service ware are provided at a specific location, no other types of single-use food service ware (i.e. recyclable or non-recyclable bowls, lids, utensils, condiment cups, etc.) should be provided in order to prevent contamination of the various waste streams. All food service ware should be reusable or certified commercially compostable.
Certified commercially compostable food service ware is less preferred than reusables but preferred over certified recyclable options because they reduce conventional plastic waste and can support food scraps diversion from landfills if collected separately from other waste streams and sent to an appropriate facility. However, these products are designed to only be composted in commercial composting facilities and availability of such facilities across the country is limited. Additionally, some commercial composting facilities do not accept compostable products.
Third Choice: Certified Recyclable Food Service Ware.
- Multi-Attribute:
-
Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard - Platinum Level in Product Circularity (note: this standard has zero certified products in this category)
-
GreenScreen Certified Single-Use Food Service Ware & Thermal Paper
-
Purchase certified recyclable food service ware if a commercial composting program is not locally available or does not accept compostable food service ware products, and if the local recycling program accepts the items for recycling. A minimum of two stream waste sorting (recycling and landfill) must be provided where products are used, and collection bins must be clearly labeled with exact product types to avoid contamination.
Prioritize purchasing products made with recycled content materials that are accepted in the local recycling program.
Products should be added to the collection bins clean (i.e. without food or beverage remains). Supplier can provide washing and/or instructions for consumers to achieve this.
Certified recyclable food service ware is the last preferred choice for federal procurement due to low recycling rates of the products caused by food contamination or small size (i.e., utensils).
Commercial Dishwashing Detergent
Minimum required language:
In accordance with FAR Part 23.1:
Meet statutory purchasing program requirements:
To the maximum extent practicable, products and services provided through the contract shall be certified to any of the following applicable multi-attribute standards/ecolabels.
- Ecologo/UL 2759 Standard for Hard Surface Cleaners
- Green Seal® 53 Standard for Specialty Cleaning Products for Industrial and Institutional Use
- Safer Choice
Optional model language:
Purchasers may use the following language to encourage suppliers to provide products that restrict or eliminate Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Compliant with FAR Part 23.1:
Meet statutory purchasing program requirements:
To avoid the procurement of products containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), to the maximum extent practicable, products and services provided through the contract shall be certified to the following applicable standard/ecolabel.
- Ecologo/UL 2759 Standard for Hard Surface Cleaners
- Safer Choice