Now you can pick up and drop off organic materials that can be used for biofuels projects. The North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance has opened a new online commodity-trading Web site for organic materials to help expand the development of the biomass economy.

From wood chips to used fryer oil, the NC Biomass Trader will help connect those getting rid of such waste products with those who are ready to turn them into renewable energy sources.

The Web site at www.ncbiomasstrader.com is a free online waste exchange for surplus and waste biomass materials such as waste vegetable oil, restaurant grease, wood waste, manures, food waste, forest products and byproducts and agricultural products and byproducts. The trading site is available to individuals, organizations and businesses that have biomass commodities others need or are looking for biomass commodities.

Biofuels have gained interest in the High Country, with a research station at Appalachian State University and a local biofuels cooperative dispensing fuel to its members. Several agencies have approached the Watauga County Board of Commissioners about a possible biomass project at the former landfill.

Building on a national interest in renewable energy and federal stimulus funds supporting such projects, NC BiomassTrader is designed to facilitate the development of biomass markets in North Carolina and increase job creation in the state’s biomass economy.

The site also contains links to other renewable energy, recycling and waste-reduction resources.