Reuse it NYC Supporting Reuse Organizations 

technical support
nyc wastematch
nyc stuff exchange
resale and donation laws
get donated goods 

Technical Support

The Materials Exchange Development Program (MEDP) is NYC's primary support program for the reuse sector. Created and funded by the Department of Sanitation Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling (BWPRR), and operated out of the Grove School of Engineering of City College of New York , MEDP acts to strengthen New York's material exchange and reuse sector by connecting, supporting, and promoting New York's reuse organizations.

In 2008 MEDP completed the NYC Reuse Sector Assessment Project, a comprehensive evaluation of materials exchanges and reuse activities in New York City. Further projects are in development.

MEDP has also assembled a handy Reuse Directory, with short descriptions of the many reuse organizations that serve NYC's businesses and residents, and participate in MEDP's network.

Member organizations of MEDP have access to the following services:

• donation referrals through NYC WasteMatch 
• networking and informational exchange forum
• educational opportunities and certificate courses
• onsite research library
• annual reuse sector conference
• technical assistance

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NYC WasteMatch

MEDP operates NYC WasteMatch , a NYC Department of Sanitation-funded citywide materials exchange program targeting NYC businesses, industry, commercial entities, and nonprofit organizations.

NYC WasteMatch helps reuse organizations and businesses save money by providing a brokering service for furniture, packaging, and other surplus or used items that are potentially reusable. Reuse organizations can use NYC WasteMatch to receive wanted materials as well as exchange excess items that their organization cannot handle.

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NYC Stuff Exchange

The NYC Stuff Exchange  website, developed by the DSNY Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling, offers a quick and simple online tool to find out where to donate, buy, or sell gently used goods in NYC.

• Hundreds of listings, searchable by zip code, borough, or citywide.
• Nonprofits promote upcoming donation drives, swaps, book drives, and rummage sales through the Calendar of Events .
• Get listed  explains how to request a free listing or submit an event to the calendar.

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Resale and Donation Laws

Organizations participating in the collection and sale of used goods need to be aware of certain rules governing these activities.

NYC LICENSING LAW
With the exception of not-for-profit organizations, every seller of used merchandise in NYC must be licensed under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Licensing Law for Dealer of Second-hand Articles. To apply for a license, visit DCA's business toolbox .

NYC CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW
The NYC Consumer Protection Law requires a seller of used merchandise to clearly disclose through labels and signage that the items are not new by means of words such as "used," "antique," "floor model," "demonstrator," "rebuilt," in any advertisement or sales transaction. Not-for-profit organizations are exempt from these regulations.

NY STATE BEDDING LAW
The NY State Bedding Law restricts both the refurbishment and the resale of used mattresses and box springs. In order for an establishment to sell used mattresses or box springs, it must register with the State and comply with strict sanitary standards.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION ACT
The Consumer Product Safety Information Act (CPSIA) regulates the resale of children's toys containing lead. This law, commissioned by the Consumer Product Stewardship Committee (CPSC), requires resellers of children's toys to prove through lab tests that the children's products they accept and re-sell are lead-free.

COLLECTION BINS FOR DONATIONS

Charities and businesses sometimes use drop-off bins to collect goods from the public. While the placement of bins on private property is by the choice of the owner, the use of collection bins on public property is regulated by Local Law 31 of 2007.

Each bin must display the name, address, and telephone number of the bin's provider. The law also states that these bins cannot be placed on City property, sidewalks, or roadways. If placed on private property, the bin's owner must have written permission from the property owner.

If a publicly accessible collection bin is suspected of being in violation, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will attempt to notify the owner by certified mail. The notice will state that the bin must be removed within 30 days. Regardless of whether the owner's address is ascertainable, DSNY is required to post a notice on the bin stating that it must be removed within 30 days. Failure to remove the bin within the designated time period will result in the removal and disposal of the bin by DSNY. If the owners of these bins object, they must do so in writing within 20 days. The bin owner must provide proof that the bin is on private property, which may include a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor.

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