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The Loading Dock

An Effective Practice

Description

The Loading Dock (TLD) is the first successful, self-sufficient, nonprofit recycler of reusable building materials in the nation. TLD began 11 years ago, as a grassroots answer to a deficit in resources for low-income housing rehabilitation and development. Establishing a nonprofit clearinghouse for usable surplus building materials was motivated by the poor housing conditions in Baltimore's low-income communities. The founders of TLD saw the need to match excess building material waste with low-income people in need of low cost building materials for new or improved housing.

Goal / Mission

TLD's mission is to increase the supply and use of affordable building materials for housing and community improvement by redirecting landfill-bound, reusable materials into productive use.

Results / Accomplishments

In its first eleven years TLD saved non-profit organizations and low-income individual nearly $5 million and rescued nearly 33,000 tons of building materials from landfills while assisting with the rehabilitation of over 25,000 homes. TLD also provides a unique market for recycled paint, making use of 2,200 gallons of waste paint per month.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
The Loading Dock (TLD)
Primary Contact
Leslie Kirkland, Executive Director
The Loading Dock (TLD)
2 North Kresson Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 728-3625
general@loadingdock.org
http://www.loadingdock.org
Topics
Environmental Health / Toxins & Contaminants
Economy / Housing & Homes
Organization(s)
The Loading Dock (TLD)
Source
UN Habitat
Date of publication
1996
Location
Baltimore, MD
Additional Audience
Low-Income