2007 Winner
iReuse

Category: Environmental Enterprise

iReuse has implemented a cost effective, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible process for the sale, donation, reuse, recycling, and removal of unwanted corporate and household materials. Their innovative and environmentally responsible business model utilizes a sophisticated web-based tool that allows iReuse to match the needs of nonprofits and local buyers to the offerings of its commercial clients wanting to dispose of surplus items.

iReuse has created a unique "win-win" solution for the triple bottom line: environment, economics, and society. Clients earn income through the sale of their materials, save money by avoiding costly disposal fees, and receive tax receipts for their donations. Nonprofits receive materials that provide for their specific needs. And the environment benefits from a decrease in waste, greenhouse gas emissions, demand for natural resources required to produce new products, and the need for energy-intensive recycling and disposal.

iReuse's average reuse rate on its projects is 80%, and, in select instances, has reached over 90%. To-date the company has diverted more than 1.3 million pounds of waste from landfills, eliminated 2,430 metric tons of greenhouse gases, saved clients over $500,000, and given more than two million dollars of in-kind donations to local charities.

ken@ireuse.com

www.ireuse.com