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Coordinator Update: Spring 1999 MiniMAX Programs Merge with Statewide Construction and Demolition Efforts!Our spring 1999 issue is dedicated to construction and demolition recycling efforts throughout the state (see center insert) and to those local jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, and public-private partnerships that have joined CalMAX in implementing local materials exchange programs aimed at diverting usable materials from local landfills. Also known as MiniMAX programs, these local materials exchange efforts provide the perfect vehicle for targeting construction and demolition activities, while familiarizing the business sector with alternative disposal practices, and fostering markets for materials previously discarded. Traditionally, CalMAX publishes a quarterly catalogue and maintains a Web site, both of which list "available or wanted materials" throughout the State of California. Similarly, local MiniMAX programs are publishing catalogues in order to network with businesses in a specific region, and using the Internet to provide a more dynamic and timely method of listing materials. Many provide the opportunity for participating organizations to enter material information independently over the World Wide Web. Several recycling coordinators responsible for implementing waste reduction programs designed to target the commercial sector are using the MiniMAX concept to reach California’s 50 percent disposal reduction goal. Given that materials resulting from construction and demolition projects are a significant component of local and state waste streams, this is an opportune time to implement new programs and expand existing ones that intertwine materials exchange efforts and waste diversion strategies in the name of commercial recycling. By incorporating CalMAX's catalog, Internet development and on-line sourcing of materials, and promotion and networking services, recycling coordinators are provided with resources and assistance to implement their own MiniMAXes. By heightening collaborative efforts between local governments and CalMAX, jurisdictions are provided with the greatest opportunity to exchange information as well as materials, thereby reducing start-up costs for new programs. As local communities and businesses continue to look for effective methods to reduce disposal and storage costs, construction and demolition activities coupled with the MiniMAX solution defines a program whose time has come. Implementing a local MiniMAX program can be a successful waste diversion strategy targeting businesses and construction firms seeking alternative disposal methods. For those businesses unfamiliar with materials exchange programs, all services associated with materials exchange listings are provided at no cost, and exchanges are generally handled directly between interested parties. Although the listings are provided at no cost, the materials that are listed as "available" may have an associated cost. Generally, however, the costs are minimal or the items are free if you provide transportation. Construction and demolition project managers who are increasingly faced with minimal timelines and budgetary constraints may find the MiniMAX program an ideal method to reduce disposal costs and turn an otherwise high overhead into increased profit margin by moving materials off-site. We applaud the efforts of local MiniMAX programs throughout the state, and encourage businesses to list their previously discarded or stored items in these publications and local Web sites. Remember construction and demolition materials need not be discarded. Numerous opportunities exist through local and State programs to turn one-time construction waste into valued materials. Following is a short summary of local MiniMAX programs in California currently working in conjunction with CalMAX. Whether you are interested in starting your own local/regional MiniMAX, developing a public-private partnership in your community or perhaps enlisting CalMAX to serve as your regional MiniMAX, please contact CalMAX at (916) 341-6603. LACoMAX The Los Angeles County Materials Exchange (LACoMAX) began operations in 1998. Implemented by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (DPW), this MiniMAX has a Web site featuring listings in 15 material classifications, within six geographical regions. In order to enhance their regional influence, CalMAX and LACoMAX share listings on a quarterly basis. Unlike CalMAX, this MiniMAX restricts its listings of available materials to businesses within Los Angeles County. Although LACoMAX does not publish a catalog, copies are printed upon request. Promotional efforts on behalf of LACoMAX include direct mail campaigns, media press releases, and distribution of flyers for classroom bulletin boards to public and private schools. In order to further promote LACoMAX, future efforts include the expansion of its Web site and mailings to all nonprofit organizations in the region. For further information, please contact: Ms. Kelly Groeneveld NapaMAX NapaMAX is a public-private partnership between the Solano-Napa Builders Exchange and the City of Napa, Public Works Department. Initiated in 1997, this MiniMAX publishes an annual publication in the Napa Valley, while coordinating resources with SonoMAX of Sonoma County and CalMAX. In doing so, NapaMAX maximizes all available reuse efforts in the region. Although NapaMAX does not have a Web site at the current time, businesses interested in listing materials can refer to the Solano-Napa Builder's Exchange Site at http://www.snbe.com. For further information, please contact: Mr. Kevin Miller Ms. Erna Stevenson, Executive Vice President ProMAX Organized in early 1996, ProMAX is sponsored by the County of Santa Cruz and managed by Ecology Action, a local nonprofit organization. Local volunteers, the backbone of the program, administer this MiniMAX, which began with funding provided by the Educational Foundation of America, the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Santa Cruz, the City of Salinas, and Waste Management Inc. Online listings are updated every two weeks. Photocopies of current listings are distributed at local community events. Businesses interested in a copy of the published listings can call Ecology Action. Unlike other MiniMAX programs, Ecology Action is responsible for coordinating each exchange. This allows staff to track the number of successful exchanges on a daily basis. Items generally include large quantities of clean usable materials generated by the business sector, and are generally offered for free or a minimal price. For further information please contact: Mr. Victor R. Aguiar
The newest of the California MiniMAX programs, ShastaMAX is co-sponsored through a public-private partnership with the City of Redding, Solid Waste Utility and Shasta Builders' Exchange. On January 1st 1999, the Shasta Builders' Exchange released the first in a series of ongoing listings in their quarterly publication, which is distributed to city residents. Listings include materials that are available and wanted within a three-county region including Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Within the next three months, the City's on-line home page will feature a link to an electronic version of ShastaMAX. For further information, please contact: Mr. Forrest Smith SonoMAX Initiated in 1993, SonoMAX received its start-up grant from Sonoma County's Integrated Waste Management Division. Garbage Reincarnation, Inc. a local nonprofit organization which managed the program until 1995, originally proposed the adoption of the SonoMAX program. In 1995, the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency assumed responsibility for the program, operating it through the County’s Eco-Desk Hotline. The Eco-Desk Hotline serves as an informational clearinghouse, answering questions from the community regarding recycling and hazardous waste disposal. Operating SonoMAX through the Eco-Desk has proven an effective method of informing businesses regarding this MiniMAX program. SonoMAX listings are published quarterly, utilizing a database created in Microsoft Access. Listings are regularly updated on the SonoMAX Web site. Currently, SonoMAX has a mailing list of approximately 1000 businesses and individuals throughout the county. For further information please contact: Ms. Karina Chilcott VCMAX The Ventura County Materials Exchange (VCMAX) began in 1994 and is sponsored by all eleven jurisdictions within the county. Coordinated by the Ventura County Solid Waste Management Department, this MiniMAX publishes listings on a quarterly basis, maintains a mailing list of approximately 1,056 recipients, and provides an on-line listing service. A unique characteristic of VCMAX is the incorporation of an automated faxing system that enables listings to be updated by sending out confirmations via modem to participants listing their available and wanted materials. By requiring that participants update their listings, VCMAX avoids repetitive and outdated listings. VCMAX’s quarterly publication also serves as a resource guide/newsletter featuring other waste reduction programs, information and events. This MiniMAX has proven to be an important part of Ventura County's overall waste diversion strategy, especially given the low overall cost of the program. For more information, please contact: Ms. Lorraine Timmons Return to Coordinator's Updates Last updated: August 01, 2008 |
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California Materials Exchange (CalMAX) http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/CalMAX/ CalMAX@ciwmb.ca.gov (877) 520-9703 |
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