Page 69 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY AND SOLID WASTE EXCHANGES 47

■ Alkalis
■ Ash and combustion by-products
■ Chemicals
■ Computers and electronics
■ Construction and demolition debris
■ Durables and furniture
■ Glass
■ Metals
■ Miscellaneous
■ Oils and waxes
■ Paints and coatings
■ Paper
■ Plastics
■ Refractory material
■ Rubber
■ Sand
■ Services
■ Shipping materials
■ Solvents
■ Textiles and leather
■ Wood

Waste exchanges are used by a variety of organizations, including private sector waste
generators, government agencies, solid waste district staff, recycling organizations, and
material brokers. Materials exchange users can be anyone who handles surplus or
unwanted materials, such as architects, administrative assistants, buyers, engineers, res-
idents, consultants, custodians, environmental managers, government employees, pro-
curement specialists, purchasing representatives, recycling brokers, shipping clerks, and
storeroom managers.
Differences in the business models and processes for the waste commodity
exchanges are also evident. Many of these exchanges serve as a meeting place for
companies that would like to list materials and potential respondents, who then work
out the details of payment, transportation, and storage themselves to facilitate
exchanges. Some exchanges have an eBay-type Web posting system, whereas others
produce printed periodicals. Some handle requests via the phone or fax, however, most
utilize the Internet.
According to the EPA materials exchange Web site, “Typically, the exchanges allow
subscribers to post materials available or wanted on a Web page listing. Organizations
interested in trading posted commodities then contact each other directly. As more and
more individuals recognize the power of this unique tool, the number of internet-
accessible materials exchanges continues to grow, particularly in the area of national
commodity-specific exchanges.”
Finally, the major difference among the exchanges dealt with the fee structures.
Most exchanges are no cost, but some charge periodic membership fees or fees per