The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) in Virginia is living by the old adage that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Through the nationwide Public Surplus.com website, the agency has found a way to make money on old, broken, and otherwise unwanted goods while saving money on disposal costs. It’s a true win-win proposition, allowing the agency to raise some cash while promoting good stewardship.
Analyst Ron Pearson and Buyer/Inventory Manager Val Simons spearhead the park-authority effort that began as a pilot program about 10 years ago, primarily as a way to get rid of outdoor equipment. Over time, the sales have expanded to include everything from wood pallets and a pile of sand to a freezer and a lady’s hat. “We sell pretty much anything we think has some value,” says Pearson.
Simons estimates the agency is on track this fiscal year to make around $20,000 on the sale of 100 items that range in price from $1 to $2,000. When big-ticket items go up for sale, revenues can be even higher. An old carousel brought in $16,000 alone one year. The Public Surplus website is an eBay of sorts for public agencies. Potential buyers can see photos and descriptions of the items and then place bids. Pearson and Simons agree that the fun really begins for them when a bidding war breaks out and the sale price starts to climb.