The City and County of San Francisco's Virtual Warehouse facilitates the reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of surplus City materials.
The Surplus Disposal Ordinance establishes a reuse and recycling hierarchy for redistributing surplus City-owned equipment and supplies. The Resource Conservation Ordinance requires all City departments to: - Minimize waste
- Reuse materials
- Recycle as much as possible
The Department of the Environment manages the Virtual Warehouse and follows the Surplus Disposal Ordinance hierarchy when determining what to do with the surplus items.
- Reuse by City Departments
Surplus materials are made available online to City departments.
- Public Auction
Surplus materials that are no longer appropriate for the City's continued use, but have some monetary value are auctioned, such as old or high mileage vehicles.
- Donations
Surplus materials such as excess office furniture are donated to schools and non-profit organizations. These organizations must be certified 501C's.
- Recycle Surplus for Salvage Value
Materials such as scrap metal, are recycled for salvage value. |