A materials exchange or reuse program can help you find low or no-cost materials, save money on disposal costs, demonstrate environmental responsibility by conserving raw materials and natural resources, and assist your government office by finding free or inexpensive materials for projects.

The Resource Recovery Program does not administer a materials exchange program. Below are links to exchanges within Minnesota. Some are business or local government only; others are open to citizens of specified counties or communities.

The Minnesota Materials Exchange is a free service operated by the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP), funded through a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It is a nonregulatory program that helps businesses reduce waste by connecting businesses who have reusable goods to those who can use them.

Northeast Minnesota materials exchange of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District is part of the Minnesota Materials Exchange.

The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Commission participates in the Minnesota Materials Exchange.

The West Central Minnesota Materials Exchange program (MATCH) shares listings with the Minnesota Materials Exchange.

The Twin Cities Free Market is a listing service for Twin Cities residents who want to get or give free reusable goods for the home, garage and garden.

MINNCOR (the Minnesota Department of Corrections) offers products and services including reupholstery and refurbishing.

Chisago County's material exchange is a free service for county residents.

North Central Minnesota materials exchange is formed of Cass, Crow Wing and Hubbard counties.

The Otter Tail County materials exchange benefits both businesses and households. Most materials offered in the exchange will be offered in Otter Tail County, with the exception of large quantities or unique items that may be useful to other businesses in Minnesota.

Southeast Minnesota Recyclers' Exchange (SEMREX) is a Joint Powers Board of ten counties working together. SEMREX includes both public and private members.

The University of Minnesota's Reuse Program offers some items to the public at a low cost.

Some programs reuse computers:
Minnesota Computers for Schools accepts working equipment — monitors, computers (Pentium and higher), and peripherals. Call 651-779-2816.

For information about hazardous waste exchanges, read a report prepared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, A Review of Industrial Waste Exchanges.