Materials Exchanges

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An Overview of Materials Exchanges

A materials exchange is a “matchmaking service” that provides businesses access to information about potential users of their waste material, and vice-versa. In most cases, exchange services publish classified-style listings on their website, some still print newsletters or catalogs but this is becoming less common. The listings generally describe the waste material, its quantity and availability. Many exchanges also have a section where businesses can list materials they are looking for. When an agreement is made between to companies it is usually up to them to make transportation and price arrangements.

There are many reasons to use a materials exchange:
     -Find valuable materials for free or less than the cost of new materials.
     -Reduce your waste disposal costs
     -Profit from the sales of materials otherwise considered “waste”
     -Show customers and employees that your organization takes environmental responsibility
       by conserving resources and diverting waste from landfills.

Many materials exchanges are run by non-profit organizations and are free services established to reduce waste. There are also commercial exchanges that may charge a membership fee or fee based on service. Exchanges can be multi-material, or may focus on one type of commodity such as paper, metal, or plastics. Remember to always read the rules and regulations of an exchange (check about liability) before using it.

Materials exchange sites typically list businesses that have excess materials to sell, or give away, as well as businesses interested in receiving excess materials.

DISCLAIMER: Sites listed on this page do not constitute an endorsement of products and services available.   If a link does not work, please try typing in the URL.

Massachusetts Materials Exchange Program
Address: 26 Market St., Northhampton, MA 01060
Phone: 413-586-7350 or 800-369-3333
The Massachusetts Materials Exchange links businesses through its on-line database, and by actively researching and pursuing reuse and recycling options.  Materials commonly include manufacturer byproducts, surplus stock, scrap and overrun material, used equipment, used office furnishings, as well as packaging and transport materials.  Participants can sign up to receive Email Notices when a new listing is posted in a material category they have selected (e.g. furniture, equipment and machinery, etc.). Through this service, participants receive notices only for the materials they are interested in.  Listings can be submitted through the website (preferred method), or by contacting Materials Exchange staff at 413/586-7350.

New Hampshire Materials Exchange
Address: WasteCap of NH, 122 N. Main St., Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-224-1517
NHME is run by WasteCap of New Hampshire and is used by businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools.  This site contains a description of the exchange program and steps to follow if you want to participate.

Southern New England Materials Exchange (SNEME)
Address: RIRRC, 65 Shun Pike, Johnston, RI 02919
Phone: 401-942-1430
The SNEME is a free, online service provided by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. It was designed to create a link between businesses that have a surplus of waste materials, and other businesses that may have a use for them. Listings are free and there are no finder's or subscription fees.

Vermont Business Materials Exchange
The Vermont Business Materials Exchange (VBMEX) is a free match making service for companies with excess materials and businesses and individuals who can make productive use of these wastes. VBMEX's goal is to minimize waste by fostering the exchange of reuable resources.

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WasteCap of Massachusetts
68 Hopkinton Road
Westboro, MA 01581

Phone: 781-679-2176
 Fax: 978-703-1285
wastecap@wastecap.org