Online Materials Exchange

Many regions have local classified newspapers for the buying and selling of goods. Publications like Bargain Hunter and the Maritime Merchant list materials available or wanted and can be used to sell or give away reuseable C&D material and fixtures.

Expanding on these publications the Internet is now facilitating the sharing and reuse of construction and demolition materials. Once destined for the landfill now one person’s excess goods can meet another person’s needs. Free to use websites like Kijiji and Craigslist connect individuals, businesses, builders and contractors; it’s even possible to make a bit of money if items are in demand. Websites with mailing lists like Freecycle also exist to facilitate the free trading of goods.

Kijiji

Kijiji is a phenomenon across Nova Scotia. It offers the free posting of sale or wanted items after a simple registration process. It facilitates the sale of thousands of used items daily saving many trips to C&D processing sites.

There are local Kijiji sites for: Annapolis, Bridgewater, Cape Breton, Halifax, New Glasgow, Truro and Yarmouth

Freecycle

Freecycle connects individuals who have goods to offer or are looking for specific items. Membership is free and all trades must be free with no money changing hands. Specific guidelines and instructions are available when signing up.

The global Freecycle network is well established in Nova Scotia. Groups are active in Cape Breton, Dartmouth, Digby, Halifax, Hants County, Kings County, Lunenburg County, New Glasgow, Queens County, Sackville, Truro-Colchester County and Yarmouth.

Craigslist

Halifax has a local Craigslist website. Craigslist is a simple to use website that allows individuals to post items for sale. Though arguably not as popular as Kijiji and Freecycle, Craigslist is another way to redistribute reuseable C&D waste simply and inexpensively. Offer it for free to move it fast.

>>Next: Reuse Stores: finding buried treasures