| Source Newsletter 2008 issue 1 |
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The Minnesota Materials Exchange program lists one company’s unwanted material and makes it available for use by another company. For more information, call MnTAP at 612.624.1300 or 800.247.0015. View listings and learn more about the Exchange at <www.mnexchange.org>.
Alliance sites make exchanges local
Minnesota is served by nine exchange programs, eight in greater Minnesota and one in the metro area. These nine sites work together to make up the Minnesota Materials Exchange Alliance. Alliance sites were started to provide local service to a particular area of the state.
Chisago County Exchange
Chisago County, located an hour northeast of the Twin Cities, has just hired a new environmental technician with a conservation background, Chris Demko. Chris will be managing the Chisago County Exchange as part of his new position.
Growing up, Chris was fascinated with wildlife and the environment. His many camping trips enhanced this love and, as he got older, also helped him focus on a Bachelor of Science degree in conservation. Chris says he finds his work with Materials Exchange rewarding because, “...it’s my time to give back and make a difference and this program is another way to reduce waste and my “footprint” on the environment.”
The Chisago County Exchange, like other Alliance Sites, helps save money on disposal or material costs, while helping the local environment by keeping reusable items out of the waste stream. Chris plans to revamp the residential and business programs this year with a personal goal of trying to find items a new home within a week or two of the posting.
The Chisago County Exchange is open to all residents and businesses in Chisago County including residents of the cities of Center City, Chisago City, Harris, Lindstrom, North Branch, Rush City, Shafer, Stacy, Taylors Falls, and Wyoming.
Items can be found on the Chisago County web site at <www.co.chisago.mn.us> on the Environmental Services Department page and under Chisago Exchange. For more information contact Chris at 651.213.8925 or cademko@co.chisago.mn.us.
Successful exchanges
- A small textile covering business donated 25,000 zippers to an out-of-state livestock company, saving the disposal cost. The livestock company saved nearly $75,000 in purchasing costs.
- A small manufacturing company in southern Minnesota donated 2,000 pounds of titanium dioxide to a small chemical company in the Twin Cities.
- Three pallets or 236 square feet of carpet tile was donated from a large Minneapolis-based company to a small non-profit organization in Litchfield, saving them over $800 in purchase costs.
- A community group received 1,000 expandable folders from a local university saving approximately $800 in purchase costs.
New items are listed on the Materials Exchange web site daily. While many items are free, some items listed may be sold for a nominal fee, 20% or less than the value of an item. An item’s value must be based on its current condition
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Materials Exchange featuring Chisago County Exchange
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Material Exchange FAQ’s
Q: What kinds of materials can be exchanged through the program?
A: Business-related items in good, usable condition (e.g., business overruns, seconds, outdated inventory, empty containers, office furniture) otherwise destined for disposal.
Q: Where do I drop items off if I’d like to make a donation?
A: This depends on your location. Most of the material exchange programs in Minnesota do not have a drop off site. Items are listed online and the transfer of goods is handled between the interested parties. Call your local alliance site for specific information.
Q: Can I take a tax deduction for my donation?
A: It depends on whom you donate your item to. You can specify in your listing that your item is only for nonprofits. The recipient organization will give you a receipt.
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