In 2008, Mayor Thomas M. Menino issued an executive order that is expanding the City of Boston's efforts to:

• Demonstrate that environmentally friendly practices improve public health and the workplace environment
• Mitigate the effects of climate change
• Save taxpayer resources by increasing efficiency

The executive order has put into place four key programs:

• A new green cleaning policy for City-owned buildings to ensure a healthy, safe, and clean environment for employees and constituents.
• New environmentally preferable procurement guidelines for City purchases to conserve natural resources, minimize pollution, and reduce materials put into landfills.
• Expanded recycling programs in municipal buildings to increase paper recycling and incorporate cardboard, plastic, and metal collection.
• A new green information technology roadmap to reduce energy use and support efficiency efforts throughout the City.

This initiative is only one part of the City's campaign to improve the environment and save energy. For more information, please see Energy and Environmental Services.

The City of Boston recycles paper in all municipal buildings. Since Mayor Menino issued his executive order in July 2008, the City has been expanding its internal program to emphasize the need to recycle paper and to include cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. The expanded recycling program was initiated in City Hall in July 2008 and will move to include more municipal facilities during 2009.

For information about recycling, composting, and hazardous-waste drop-off for Boston residents, please see Recycling.