FAR 23.405—Waste reduction program.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 23.405 is a targeted sustainability requirement that applies to certain service and operations contracts involving Government facilities. It addresses one core topic: waste reduction programs, specifically requiring contractors operating Government-owned or Government-leased facilities, or providing support services at Government-owned or Government-operated facilities, to promote cost-effective waste reduction in all covered operations and facilities. The rule exists to support pollution prevention and broader agency efforts to minimize waste in line with Executive Order 14057. In practice, this means agencies must build waste-reduction expectations into the contract, and contractors must treat waste minimization as an operational requirement rather than an optional environmental initiative. The section is narrow in scope but important because it ties sustainability goals to day-to-day facility operations, housekeeping, logistics, maintenance, and other support activities that can generate significant waste streams.
Key Rules
Applies to facility operations contracts
The requirement applies when the contract is for contractor operation of Government-owned or Government-leased facilities, or for support services at Government-owned or Government-operated facilities. It is not a general rule for all contracts; it is tied to contracts involving ongoing facility operations or support.
Promote cost-effective waste reduction
The contractor must promote waste reduction in all operations and facilities covered by the contract. The focus is on practical, cost-effective measures, meaning the contractor should pursue waste minimization approaches that make operational and economic sense rather than merely symbolic efforts.
Supports pollution prevention goals
The rule is intended to support pollution prevention and agency waste-minimization efforts. Waste reduction is treated as part of a broader environmental management objective, not as a standalone administrative preference.
Implements Executive Order 14057
This section reflects the Government’s sustainability direction under E.O. 14057. Contracting activities covered by the rule should align with agency and federal sustainability objectives, especially where facility operations can materially affect waste generation.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Include the waste-reduction requirement in applicable contracts for contractor-operated Government-owned or Government-leased facilities and for support services at Government-owned or Government-operated facilities. Ensure the contract clearly requires the contractor to promote cost-effective waste reduction across covered operations and facilities.
Contractor
Promote cost-effective waste reduction in all operations and facilities covered by the contract. Implement practical waste-minimization measures in day-to-day performance, and treat waste reduction as an ongoing operational responsibility.
Agency
Use covered contracts to advance pollution prevention and waste-minimization goals consistent with E.O. 14057. Provide oversight, expectations, and performance direction so the contractor’s operations align with agency sustainability objectives.
Practical Implications
This requirement can affect routine facility operations such as purchasing, packaging, recycling, disposal practices, maintenance activities, and housekeeping services, so contractors should look for waste-reduction obligations early in performance planning.
A common pitfall is assuming the rule is only about recycling; the text is broader and covers cost-effective waste reduction in all covered operations and facilities, which can include source reduction and process changes.
Contracting officers should make sure the requirement is actually flowed into the solicitation and contract for covered facility-operation or support-service work, rather than relying on general environmental language.
Contractors should document practical waste-reduction measures and be prepared to show how they are cost-effective and integrated into operations, especially if the agency monitors sustainability performance.
Because the rule is tied to executive sustainability policy, agencies may expect more than minimum compliance; contractors should watch for agency-specific implementation details, reporting expectations, or performance metrics that build on this FAR requirement.
Official Regulatory Text
To support pollution prevention and agency efforts to minimize waste in accordance with E.O. 14057 , contracts for contractor operation of Government-owned or -leased facilities or for support services at Government-owned or -operated facilities shall require the contractor to promote cost-effective waste reduction in all operations and facilities covered by the contract.