FAR 52.223-10—Waste Reduction Program.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.223-10, Waste Reduction Program, requires the contractor to establish and maintain a cost-effective waste reduction program for the operations and facilities covered by the contract. The clause defines three core terms—recycling, waste prevention, and waste reduction—so contractors understand the scope of the required program and the types of activities that count toward compliance. It ties the contractor’s obligations to broader federal sustainability policy, specifically section 207 of Executive Order 14057, and requires consistency with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. The clause also specifically points contractors to Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR Part 247, which govern federal procurement of recovered materials and environmentally preferable products. In practice, this clause means contractors must do more than simply dispose of waste properly; they must actively manage materials, purchasing, and operations to reduce waste generation and support recycling and recycled-content purchasing where applicable. The clause is especially important for contractors operating facilities or performing work that generates significant material use, packaging, or solid waste, because compliance may affect purchasing decisions, operational procedures, and environmental reporting or internal controls.
Key Rules
Use the clause definitions
The clause defines recycling, waste prevention, and waste reduction. These definitions control how the contractor should design its program and what activities can be counted as waste reduction efforts.
Establish a waste reduction program
The contractor must establish a program to promote cost-effective waste reduction in all covered operations and facilities. This is an affirmative program requirement, not just a general preference or best practice.
Follow EO 14057 requirements
The program must be consistent with section 207 of Executive Order 14057. That means the contractor’s waste reduction efforts must align with current federal sustainability policy as incorporated into the contract.
Comply with all applicable laws
The contractor’s program must comply with applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. This includes environmental, solid waste, recycling, and procurement rules that may apply to the contractor’s operations.
Address RCRA Section 6002
The clause specifically requires compliance with Section 6002 of RCRA and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR Part 247. Contractors should consider recovered materials and environmentally preferable products when making purchasing decisions covered by those rules.
Apply to covered operations and facilities
The program applies to all operations and facilities covered by the contract. Contractors should identify which sites, activities, and work areas fall within the contract scope and ensure the program reaches those locations.
Responsibilities
Contractor
Establish and maintain a cost-effective waste reduction program for all contract-covered operations and facilities. Ensure the program includes practical measures for waste prevention, recycling, and purchasing recycled or environmentally preferable products, and make sure it complies with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements, including RCRA Section 6002 and 40 CFR Part 247.
Contracting Officer
Include the clause when prescribed by FAR 23.406(c) and ensure the contract incorporates the applicable waste reduction requirement. Monitor contract administration as appropriate and address any compliance issues through normal contract oversight channels.
Agency
Implement procurement and sustainability policies that support waste reduction objectives and ensure contracting personnel use the clause when required. Coordinate internal environmental and acquisition requirements so contract language and program expectations are consistent with EO 14057 and related regulations.
Practical Implications
Contractors should treat this as an operational requirement, not just a paper policy. A compliant program usually needs written procedures, responsible personnel, and purchasing practices that support waste reduction.
The biggest compliance risk is assuming recycling alone is enough. The clause also emphasizes waste prevention and purchasing recycled or environmentally preferable products, so the program should address the full lifecycle of materials.
Contractors must check both contract scope and local rules. A facility may be subject to state or local recycling requirements that are stricter than federal expectations, and those rules still apply.
Purchasing staff may need training because RCRA Section 6002 can affect what products are bought, especially items with recovered content requirements or designated procurement categories.
Contractors with multiple sites should avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. The program should be tailored to the operations and facilities actually covered by the contract, with site-specific procedures where needed.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 23.406 (c) , insert the following clause: Waste Reduction Program (May 2024) (a) Definitions . As used in this clause- Recycling means the series of activities, including collection, separation, and processing, by which products or other materials are recovered from the solid waste stream for use in the form of raw materials in the manufacture of products other than fuel for producing heat or power by combustion. Waste prevention means any change in the design, manufacturing, purchase, or use of materials or products (including packaging) to reduce their amount or toxicity before they are discarded. Waste prevention also refers to the reuse of products or materials. Waste reduction means preventing or decreasing the amount of waste being generated through waste prevention, recycling, or purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products. (b) Consistent with the requirements of section 207 of Executive Order 14057 , the Contractor shall establish a program to promote cost-effective waste reduction in all operations and facilities covered by this contract. The Contractor’s programs shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local requirements, specifically including Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ( 42 U.S.C.6962 , etseq .) and implementing regulations ( 40 CFR Part 247 ). (End of clause)