Waste materials exchanges are designed for the selling and buying of recyclable and reusable goods. Some exchanges are location-based warehouses advertising available goods online or in catalogs. Others are administered by local or state governments. Still other exchanges are for-profit, privately owned businesses. Each exchange will vary in the types of goods they have available and their service terms. In general, exchanges in the waste category will handle hazardous materials and industrial waste while exchanges in the materials category will handle nonhazardous items.

Exchanges allow participants to post materials on a website. Organizations then  interested in the material can contact them directly. As more individuals and businesses recognize the power of exchanges, the volume and variety of materials available will continue to grow.

Typically, materials exchanges provide brief details about the services being offered, materials available, how to contact the lister, and other required information. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made an effort to compile an accurate list of materials exchanges; however, the landscape is continually changing, so interested individuals should also connect with their state and local environmental agencies for local listings.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Waste and Materials Exchanges can be a great way to turn one person’s garbage into another’s gold!