Reduce, Recycle, RENEW!
Reintroducing: The Resource Exchange Network for the Elimination of Waste!
Would you like to turn your process’s byproducts into a revenue stream?
Would you be interested in reduced cost and potentially FREE materials?
Yes? Then check out RENEW Resource Exchange. This program was established by the Texas Legislature and TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) in 1987 and expanded by the Zero Waste Network a couple years ago to help reach companies throughout EPA region 6 (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico), connecting them with one another in order to utilize and exchange each other’s non-hazardous byproducts.
It’s pretty simple and free to use. You can browse and contact people already listed without signing up. To put your information on the site, first you need to sign up to get a username and password, which gives you access to all of the resources available on this site. Then you can list products you have, browse what others have available, and even list a request for something you need. It’s kind of like Craig’s List (http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites) for manufacturers and businesses (a reference for all you web 2.0 savvy people).
Many companies list their contact information on the site, so you can contact them directly to set up the exchange. There is also an option to keep information private and connections are made via the Zero Waste Network or TCEQ staff.
This network creates the opportunity to reduce waste disposal cost, potentially generate income from your process byproducts, and reduce raw materials costs. Additionally, this program helps divert reusable “waste” headed for the landfill and extend the life cycle of these materials. Sounds like a win-win situation all around.
Try to use it, if you can, and spread the word. The more people involved, the better the program will be!
