Kansas City recycling mainstay halts operations

The Surplus Exchange (TSE), an e-Stewards certified nonprofit organization that has been a mainstay of Kansas City, Missouri, recycling for more than 25 years, has announced it will halt all operations “for a short period” while working to reassess and restructure its current business model.

“The financial dynamics of recycling have changed tremendously over the past few years,” says Nancy Frazee, co-chair of TSE’s volunteer board of directors. “As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for the organization to fulfill its mission in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

TSE says it has been committed to a zero landfill policy with zero export of equipment to developing countries. Initially, the resale market for some materials, such as metals, helped offset the cost of recycling other commodities, such as glass, TSE says. In addition, the company was often able to refurbish and resell select pieces of electronics and furniture. Over the past several years, however, prices in both markets have dropped as the items become increasingly commoditized and the potential for return has "shrunk."

“We’re disappointed to have to make this move,” says Jessica Merrigan, co-chair of the TSE board. “We’re extremely grateful to TSE’s employees as well as its partners and service providers for their creativity and commitment in helping the organization weather these changes for as long as they have.”

Merrigan adds, “We regret the impact this shutdown will have on them and hope to find resolution as quickly as possible.”

TSE says it was the first company in Kansas City to achieve e-Steward certification set by the Basel Action Network (BAN), an organization focused on combating the export of e-scrap and other products to developing countries.

The board is currently evaluating potential partnerships that could best leverage the organization’s capabilities and assets to continue to serve the community.