|
Posted: July 29, 2005
“Having recently moved to Plano from out of state, we have had the
opportunity to list four rather large items on the Material Exchange website
over the past two weeks. Everything listed was picked up within a day or
two. No garbage pickup, no landfill space used. Amazing!”
These comments by new Plano resident John Hunt are being echoed all across
our city as more and more persons are getting “online” with the
Environmental Waste Services unique “Materials Exchange”.
Back in Grandma’s day, it was a common practice to swap goods between
neighbors. A complete set of carpenter tools might be bartered for one of
those new fangled ice boxes. An old car might be traded for a gently used
living room set. It was a clear swap with no cash exchanged.
Playing upon this old fashioned concept, with a concern for the environment,
the Materials Exchange has come into being, giving usable items new life and
saving landfill space.
Not a true “swap meet,” in the sense of the word, the Plano Material
Exchange is an Internet-based reuse and recycle program that connects Plano
residents who have unwanted but usable household goods, to other citizens or
non-profit groups who may need them, free of charge. There is no exchange of
money. Items are not for sale, only for exchange or give-away.
Residents can list free unwanted but reusable items for the home, garage or
garden online. Browsers can then search for available materials with
interested parties responding to listings, arranging for exchange of items.
The City of Plano is not involved in the transfer, delivery or exchange of
items, only facilitating the site for postings.
The listing service is available to Plano residents who have a City of Plano
billing account number, found on their monthly water bill. While listing of
items is only available to these residents, anyone can search for and
respond to listings.
Not accepted on the site are ads for garage sales or services (house
cleaning, lawn services, etc.), ammunition, items not legal or appropriate
for all age groups, live animals, firearms, medications, title bearing
vehicles (boats, cars) or household hazardous waste materials (including
paints, pesticides, motor oil and chemicals).
Appliances, arts and crafts, clothing, electronics, furniture, office and
home décor, building and home improvement supplies, pet supplies, sports and
recreation items are all included on the accepted materials list.
To list items for posting, citizens just need to log onto the City’s website
(provided below) and quickly establish a login and list their items for free
exchange. All information is confidential. The City does not sell or
circulate email addresses.
Anyone who wishes to browse through the materials on the site, or are
searching for specific materials, can quickly locate any materials and then
proceed with instructions for contacting the listing party.
“I must say that we find this program, and the response, rather unique, and,
for us, very successful. Our thanks to Plano for the foresight to have this
program in place!,” advised Mr. Hunt.
To give the site a quick once-over and to see how easy it is to participate.
Click here!
|
|