Material exchanges provide an opportunity to locate other builders, homeowners
or businesses that can use waste materials, or that have waste materials that
can be incorporated into a new project. Used materials are economical for the
buyer, and help the seller avoid disposal fees. With local, state, regional,
and national focuses, Waste Material Exchanges share the common purpose of keeping
construction waste out of landfills.
Exchanges cover a wide variety of materials. In terms of construction waste
they include windows, dimensional lumber, shingles, aggregate, cabinets, flooring,
tile, fill material, sinks, etc. On-line exchanges allow potential buyers and
sellers of material to post what they have or find contact information for what
they need. Generally, posting items and searching sites are free of charge,
although some consultants also offer these services for a fee. Materials may
be given away or may require purchase; transportation is generally arranged
by the buyer. Other Waste Material Exchanges operate as a salvage yard where
interested parties visit the yard to find what they need and purchase the materials
as they would at any building supply store (although often for lower prices).
The following Internet locations provide on-line materials exchanges and information
about other exchange programs for Region 8 and the nation.
Region 8 Material Exchanges
(Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)
On-line Exchanges
Colorado Materials Exchange -
http://www.colorado.edu/cure/comex/ A statewide clearinghouse of non-hazardous
surplus and durable goods; "Building and Landscaping Equipment/Materials"
category quickens pace of search. University of Colorado Recycling Services
Montana Material Exchange: http://www.montana.edu/mme
An information clearinghouse for any available leftover materials, by-products,
and unused products from individuals, local and international companies, that
are potentially wanted by another. It includes a category for "Construction
Materials". Montana State University Extension Service - Pollution Prevention
Program
Other Region 8 Exchange Programs
ReSource2000
Salvage Yard- http://bcn.boulder.co.us/environment/rs2k/index.html salvages
used building materials and resells them at low prices. This site provides general
information about materials accepted and sold, including pricing, and directions
to the yard. A program of the Boulder (Colorado) Energy Conservation Center.
Utah University
System Hazardous Materials Reuse, Recycling and Disposal - http://www.utahehs.org/index.php?tier=3&id=44
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is charged with the
responsibility of removing all hazardous materials, used and unused, from University
facilities. Materials picked up by EHS are recycled, used by someone else, or
disposed of at an EPA approved facility. This site provides procedures for participation
in the program.
National Material Exchanges
and Exchange Listings
- Used Building
Materials Association - http://bcn.boulder.co.us/environment/ubma/index.html
(Click on Exchange). This association represents companies and organizations
involved in the acquisition and/or redistribution of used building materials.
The website offers publications and membership information, covers deconstruction
events, and facilitates an exchange for used building materials. The Exchange
is available to members and the general public . Used Building Materials
Association (UMBA)
Used Building Materials Exchange - http://build.recycle.net/
(Select a material category to view or add listings). Locate used building materials
and equipment or post materials for sale/trade. Mostly North American focus.
RecycleNet Corporation
Soil Trader
- http://www.cleanrivers-pdx.org/soiltrader/index.htm Online trading network
for non-hazardous construction spoils (top soil, mixed soil, gravel, concrete,
asphalt, clearing debris, fencing, boulders) that might otherwise be disposed
in the Portland area. Environmental Services City of Portland
- Wood Products Exchange - http://www.woodexchange.com/
(Click on Wood Exchange at bottom of page). This exchange specializes in wood
by-products, wastes, residues, cut-offs, shorts, seconds, surplus, and salvaged
materials. Searchable database requires a one-time free registration process.
Virtual Trade Exchange Company, LLC.
- Material Exchanges
On The Web - http://www.wastexchange.org/Exchanges/default.cfm
- An extensive list of material exchanges for the nation. A "profile"
is provided for each exchange including contact information for the operating
organization, manager and a URL address. Sponsored by the West Virginia
Solid Waste Mangement Board
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(Fact Sheet 5 of 10)
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