Ohio Materials Exchange (OMEx) Statistics (June 2003)

Year	# of Exchanges	Tons/pounds exchanged	Avoided disposal costs	Listings per issue
CURRENT ’02-’03	34	40,515 T (81,029,046 lbs)	$169,400	588
2001 - 2002	40	88,650 T (177,119,370 lbs)	$3,542,400	598
3rd year: ’00-’01	43	80,546 T (161,091,465 lbs)	$3,221,840	602
2nd year: ’99-’00	39	40,906 T (81,811,101 lbs.)	$1,636,240	505
1st year: ’98-’99	21	2,576 T (5,153,080 lbs.)	$103,000	436

Pleased to announce that OMEx:  Ohio¡¯s Materials Exchange continues to grow in its ability to divert materials from the waste stream while saving over $3.5 million dollars in disposal costs!  Thanks to all of the OMEx users who diligently answered our annual survey, providing the statistics and information that helps the Exchange staff analyze, update and improve this program.

HISTORY OF THE EXCHANGE

Ohio’s Materials Exchange began publishing in March 1998 as a cooperative effort between the Association of Ohio Recyclers, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Department of Development and Waste Alternatives, Inc. to provide a statewide reuse and recycling service to business and industry in Ohio. Unlike many materials exchange services, OMEx is a cooperative effort between state agencies, a non-profit group and a private business. This non-mandated collaborative spirit is the core of the program’s success.

The hard-copy version of OMEx was distributed bimonthly to 12,000 businesses, government agencies and individuals through 2002. Starting June 2002, only electronic means (web, email, and fax) will be utilized for distribution. The publication has offered no-cost materials wanted and materials available ads that run the gamut from acetic acid to wood scrap. The Materials Exchange serves as a “meeting place” for listers and respondents, who then work out the details of payment, transportation and storage. To facilitate exchanges, OMEx offers a fax-on-demand system (888/718-OMEx) and a Website, http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/p2/omex where users can access forms and listing contact information. For the most recent listing information, users can request the New Since catalog through our fax-on-demand system.

OMEx plays an important role in assisting waste generators in identifying and implementing recycling, waste use and reuse opportunities. These efforts result in lower operating costs, diminished demand for landfill space and incinerator capacity, and, ultimately, a cleaner environment.

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Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
P.O. Box 1049
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049
Phone (614) 644-3469
Fax (614) 644-2807
Toll Free (800) 329-7518
E-Mail: p2mail@epa.state.oh.us