Eco website pioneers waste-swapping scheme

BUSINESSES are being urged to sign up to an online waste exchange which could divert tonnes of materials including packaging, disused office furniture and construction waste away from landfills.

The new Waste Matchers database is now online at www.wastematchers.com.

Under the project, tonnes of material which are no longer of use to companies are being exchanged free of charge with other businesses, saving on costs and environmental pollution.

The project was developed at the Macroom Environmental Industrial Park (Macroom E) in Co Cork.

Macroom E project leader Maeve Bowen said waste was becoming an increasingly important issue for businesses and organisations.

“Not only does waste cost money but often companies are throwing away items that other organisations can use,” she said.

“Macroom E has started the project that can help companies to keep waste in use.”

On wastematchers.com, companies can advertise their waste, surplus, obsolete and production by-products to other organisations. Companies can also search the database for items that they can use.

The idea is not new, with exchanges having operated successfully throughout the US, New Zealand and Wales for many years.

“In the USA, millions of tonnes of waste destined for landfill have been exchanged, leading to massive savings to companies of both disposal and material costs,” she said.

Many companies spend a significant percentage of their total turnover on waste disposal and on raw materials. Many costs can be removed through exchanging materials, turning what was once a significant drain on financial resources into profit, she added.

The waste exchange was initiated based on research completed by the Clean Technology Centre at Cork Institute of Technology with start-up funds from the South Cork Enterprise board.

Macroom E aims to encourage the growth of environmentally-sound businesses in the region, helping companies reduce operational costs and increase efficiency through better environmental management.

Macroom E is an initiative of Cork County Council, Enterprise Ireland, South Cork Enterprise Board, Lee Valley Enterprise Board and Macroom Town Council.

Membership of the Waste Exchange is open to all organisations - businesses, factories, schools, hospitals and others. Any reusable items are accepted onto the website, including packaging materials, office equipment, furniture, construction materials, pallets, cardboard, paint, plastics and electronic items.

If it is something that another organisation can use, it is welcome on the website. Membership is free and all organisations are encouraged to log on.

Some items do have some monetary value and companies can negotiate between themselves on the cost of these.

“The website does not accept adverts for items being offered for sale at market value - the idea is that everything on the website is either for free or below market value,” she explained.

If you are an organisation that has waste items to get rid of, or you would like to see what other companies have to offer, log on to www.wastematchers.com and search the database, or call 026-20520.