Background
Landfills like the one operated by Wichita Falls, Kansas, are a vital part of the community, playing a crucial role in waste management by providing a controlled environment for the disposal of non-recyclable and non-compostable materials. Large fleets of heavy equipment work tirelessly to sort, compact, and cover waste materials.
Over time, the Wichita Falls landfill accumulated a significant amount of heavy equipment that was no longer in use, creating what one city employee described as "a graveyard of heavy equipment that is going to be difficult to move." Like any machinery, this equipment has a finite lifespan and must be replaced periodically to ensure continued efficiency and safety.
Challenge
Wichita Falls needed to clear heavy, inoperable equipment from the “graveyard” to free up space – without incurring any additional costs. For instance, a 1997 CAT 627F motor scraper that had been left unused behind the landfill garage for several years is now only viable for parts. The presence of the scraper was occupying needed space in an active area, making its removal a priority for city officials.
Although it was in poor condition, the city wisely recognized that the motor scraper could still attract interest from scrap and salvage buyers.
Solution
A longtime seller on GovDeals, the city knew the value of ‘as is, where is’ online auctions for disposing of surplus assets, especially assets that might be difficult to sell in more traditional models. During the sale of the 1997 CAT 627F motor scraper, 46 unique bids were received before ultimately being sold for over $25,000. The buyer removed the equipment at no expense to the city, as per the terms and conditions of the sale. This auction turned an unused asset into a revenue-generating project for the City of Wichita Falls.
With the help of GovDeals, the City of Wichita Falls was able to successfully clear up valuable space while generating revenue, making for an effective surplus management strategy.
Read more about how other landfills are managing their surplus or sign up to become a seller today.
The Results
By leveraging GovDeals’ online auction platform, the City of Wichita Falls successfully transformed a long-idle asset into a revenue-generating opportunity. The sale of the 1997 CAT 627F motor scraper not only generated over $25,000 but also eliminated removal costs and freed up valuable operational space, demonstrating an efficient and cost-effective approach to surplus equipment management.
If your agency is interested in learning how GovDeals can help you sell your surplus inventory and return funds to your budget, call us at 866.377.1494 or email salessupport@govdeals.com.
