North Dakota Materials Exchange
In July 2005, the North Dakota Department of Health - Division of Waste Management began the North Dakota Materials Exchange Web site. Visit www.ndhealth.gov/freeme to see what is available or to post an item that you want to get rid of.
Freebee
The City of Fargo launched the Freebee Web site in February 2003 in order to promote reuse of materials that would essentially be destined for the Fargo landfill. People can post available or wanted materials on the site (that are still in good/working order), and then those that want an item can contact the person that is giving the item away. So far, over 25 tons of items have been "exchanged," including: beds, couches, tables, televisions, computers, exercise bikes and other items that some thrift stores are unable to take. The site is sponsored by the City of Fargo, Clay County (MN) Environmental Programs, River Keepers and Bremer Bank. This is a great program that could be implemented in many communities across North Dakota. Check out the site at: www.fmgiveaway.com
Freecycle
There is a Web site, Freecycle, that is very similar to the Freebee Web site, only it is nationally based. For North Dakota, there are groups that have started in:
Barnes Co. (ValleyCity)
Bismarck/Mandan
Bottineau
Carrington
Cavalier
Fargo
Garrison
Jamestown
Minot
StarkCounty (Dickinson)
Wells Co. (Fessenden)
West Fargo
Williston
Minnesota has 75 different cities or groups that have started. Do you want to start a group in your area? See the Freecycle site to sign up.
If you are interested in posting available or wanted materials on the NDSWRA Web site, please contact us to have it posted here or in our newsletter.