Thus, local preferences hinder recycled product purchasing. The informal method is simple. First, determine if you have the legal authority to buy from someone else's contract. Then, when you are ready to buy particular products, seek organizations that have the products on contract. You merely review the contract to be sure the products, prices and terms meet your needs, then establish separate billing and delivery requirements with the vendor holding the contract.
Vendors have the right to accept or reject potential sales to other jurisdictions.
Many county, state and some city contracts allow sub-divisions of governments to buy from them. These organizations circulate lists of such contracts to interested parties. Most jurisdictions in Alameda County use this type of cooperative purchasing. If the process is successful, it can continue indefinitely with the organization that initiates the bids. Each participating jurisdiction must give up its purchasing autonomy to be part of the general agreement and each participant must plan ahead to coordinate the timing for the bid.