DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS / OBSOLETE ASSETS

As part of responsible stewardship of public resources, government organizations regularly assess their inventory to identify surplus, obsolete, or unusable assets. These may include vehicles, equipment, furniture, electronics, or other materials that are no longer needed for public service. Once deemed surplus, these assets go through a formal disposal process in accordance with applicable laws and policies to ensure transparency, fairness, and fiscal responsibility. Common disposal methods include:

 

• Public Auctions – Surplus items may be sold to the highest bidder through live or online auctions, often open to the general public. This helps maximize return and ensures open competition.

• Direct Sale – Some items may be sold directly to individuals, businesses, or other governmental entities at fair market value.

• Donations – If authorized, usable items may be donated to nonprofit organizations, schools, or other public entities.

• Recycling or Junk Disposal – Items with no resale value may be properly recycled or disposed of following environmental and safety guidelines.

These methods are carefully selected to recover value, minimize waste, and ensure accountability. Revenue generated from the sale of surplus property is typically returned to the organization or jurisdiction to support public programs or offset operational costs. This process not only promotes efficiency and sustainability, but also helps keep the public informed and engaged in how taxpayer-funded assets are managed.