A new online platform to exchange materials is now available to Pennsylvania small businesses and organizations. The Circular Merchant, hosted by the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, allows facilities and operations a way to get rid of unneeded materials by posting items on the new website or via a smartphone app.
Items that may be exchanged include examples such as electronic scrap, glass, organics & composting, paper & cardboard, plastics, metals, textiles, and yard sale items. Users can browse for materials on the Circular Merchant website or create a listing to get rid of excess materials as a means of sustainably recycling or reusing materials.
The benefits are obvious for small businesses and users. Less waste goes to landfills, businesses can become better stewards of the environment, and a little money can be made (if desired).
The Circular Merchant takes the place of the retired Pennsyvania Material Trader website. The PA Material Trader was originally established in 2004 by EMAP and the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). Operating under the premise that what may be “trash” to one small business may be a “treasure” to another, the PA Material Trader had seen its glory days behind it. Thus, EMAP’s friends and partners over at the Recycling Markets Center took in and embraced the premise of hosting Pennsylvania’s material exchange platform.
Jeremy Hancher
Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC. He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management. He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.
