Reuse Programs
Reuse is recycling's first cousin and one of the powerful tools we can use to strengthen our environment and our economy at the same time. Below are listed a few reuse programs that you should know about. For information about specific materials, consult the recycling and reuse directory on this site.
MAT-EX
MAT-EX was established in 1992 as a program aimed at keeping non-hazardous materials with reuse value out of landfills and incinerators. Originally serving a six-county region, MAT-EX has now expanded to include 19 counties in Western and Central New York.
The MAT-EX program allows any individual, business, school, institution, non-profit service organization, or government agency in the 19-county region to locate users for surplus materials previously discarded, or to find gree or inexpensive materials.
MAT-EX maintains a website at www.mat-ex.org that is updated weekly.
Materials Reuse Project
The Materials Reuse Project was started by a Buffalo parent who was frustrated by the lack of basic supplies available to students in city classrooms. Their mission is to arrange for the direct donation of surplus materials from businesses for classroom use. To accomplish this, MRP has forged partnerships with the City of Buffalo Public School District, encompassing 75 schools and 45,000 students. To date, MRP has placed $2,000,000 of donations from more than 125 companies into the Buffalo schools.
For more information, visit them on the web at www.buffaloalliance.org/programs/materials_reuse.php.
Habitat ReStore
Operated by Habitat for Humanity, Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Many affiliates across the United States and Canada operate successful ReStores—some of which raise enough funds to build an additional 10 or more houses per year.
Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews, or from individuals who wish to show their support for Habitat. In addition to raising funds, ReStores help the environment by rechanneling good, usable materials into use.
Habitat ReStore
501 Amherst St.; Buffalo, NY 14207; (716) 852-6607
Computers for Children
Computers for Children finds new life for donated computers by performing upgrades and placing them in schools rather than sending them to be scrapped. Since being founded in 1997, Computers for Children has assisted more than 28,000 local students in more than 75 schools through computer donations and providing refurbishment and software application training.
For more information, visit them on the web at www.computersforchildren.com.
Salvaging
A significant aspect of reuse is salvaging. Instead of materials going to waste, they are removed before demolition/ renovation and sold. This reduces land filled material, and preserves decorative aspects from older buildings.
Check our list of salvage companies in the recycling directory.
