The Program began as a pilot project in 1991. In disposing of lab wastes, we noticed that many of the chemicals that were slated for disposal were really surplus rather than waste. To see if laboratories would be able to use these chemicals, the Safety Office began to circulate lists of available chemicals among a few Dalhousie units. The response was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating that there was a real interest in an exchange.

From those beginnings, ChemEx grew to an informal network of Departments across the University which donated or received chemicals from the exchange. As word spread, laboratories in neighbouring institutions joined in. In 1995, the Canadian Association of University Business Officers awarded the program a Quality and Productivity Award. The ensuing publicity drew yet more participants. Today, participants have come from a wide range of public sector organizations including schools, colleges and universities, government departments and agencies.

In all cases, the exchanges are free. ChemEx will not pay for surplus chemicals nor will we charge others for donated chemicals.