A waste exchange is a service that identifies both producers and markets for by-products, unspent virgin materials and other forms of solid and hazardous waste materials. A waste exchange publishes a bulletin that lists both available and wanted materials. Listing describe the material, quantity and form available and indicate the geographic location. Names of the suppliers are not given. Potential users may find out who is offering the listed material by telephoning the waste exchange or mailing an information request form.
Listings can be confidential.
The user must contact the company offering the material to obtain more specific information. Typically, suppliers will offer samples and lab analysis results. Waste exchanges do not take part in the negotiations or actual shipment of materials. In general, the firm that is offering the material is responsible for paying the transportation costs. Most exchange services do not charge a fee for placing a listing although they may have a fee for subscribing to their bulletins.