“Reuse is an environmental and economic tool that keeps goods and materials out of the waste stream,’’ said Jane Kozinski, DEP Assistant Commissioner of Environmental Management. “It can be effective in reducing air and water pollution, and reducing the strain on valuable resources, such as fuel, forests and water supplies, which helps safeguard wildlife habitats. It also can help reduce the amount of trash disposed of annually and cut disposal costs.’’

Participating states include New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Participating businesses include All American Waste, Casella Waste Systems, Global Plastics Recycling, GreenCycle, Harvest Power, Wheelabrator Technologies, and Willimantic Waste Paper Company.

Reuse members create free accounts and post listings for available items. They also may post detailed wanted listings, specifying the type(s) of items they need. While anyone can browse and access posted items, only members can post items to offer. Actual exchange transactions are carried out directly between interested parties.

The Marketplace includes more than 30 categories of items ranging from agricultural to textiles, plus some 60 related subcategories. Items currently on offer at the site -- to buy, sell, trade or give away -- include slate roofing tiles, overhead garage doors, televisions, office supplies, clean fill, and even a modular medical building, among many others. 

The Reuse Marketplace site administrator is the Northeast Recycling Council (www.nerc.org), a regional non-profit group dedicated to an environmentally sustainable economy through source reduction, reuse, recycling and green purchasing. The Council is responsible for reviewing site membership requests and all listings prior to having them posted.

For more information or to participate in the program call 609-984-3438 or 802-254-3636, or email to steven.rinaldi@dep.state.nj.us or lynn@nerc.org.