Building partnerships -- The Ohio Materials Exchange
As this century comes to a close, landfills are being opened, closed and mined for resources; commercial businesses and manufacturers are under pressure to be responsible both environmentally and economically. The timing is right for individuals and organizations to start listening to each other and working cooperatively for a greater good. In 1996, an ad hoc group of state government agencies, private business, not-for-profits and educational institutions met to discuss the potential for a materials exchange in Ohio. The Ohio Materials Exchange (OMEX) exists today from the cooperation and funding form the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF), The Association of Ohio Recyclers (AOR) in cooperation with Waste Alternatives, Inc., The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OhEPA) (Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management and the Office of Pollution Prevention), The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention) and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) (Office of Energy Efficiency OEE). In addition, private business, solid waste management districts and individual organizations who use the exchange actively help guide and market the program. The author was employed with the ODOD-OEE and a member of the planning team. A materials exchange allows companies to trade, sell or give away unwanted materials to one another and use it as raw material for manufacturing or reuse in its existing form (Table 1.). Materials exchanges were both out of necessity in World War II but are continuing due to foresight. (EPA 1994) The exchange of raw product, rejects or waste can reduce waste and save energy. Not only do recycled materials often use less energy to produce the product, the trading may save hauling or disposal costs, that could then be diverted to purchase new, more efficient equipment. The materials available or wanted are collected into lists. These lists may take the form of catalogs, fax-back systems, Internet or computer or index cards with a rolodex and a phone. A form is filled out requesting contact information. From that point, the arrangements are made between the trading partners. Often the exchange host will attempt to find out if a successful trade has been made. All liability issues are usually assumed by the trading partners and not the exchange service. This paper includes references for further reading concerning the history and impact of local, regional and national exchanges.
- Research Organization:
- Susan K. Covey and Associates (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20001876
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1999 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry, Albany, NY (US), 06/15/1999--06/18/1999; Other Information: PBD: 1999; Related Information: In: Industry and innovation in the 21st century, proceedings, 854 pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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