What FedEx and Pyxera Teach CSCOs about Circular Logistics

A FedEx pilot programme is demonstrating how logistics companies can address the growing electronic waste challenge through circular economy principles, focusing on the reuse, repair and responsible recycling of materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Operating from a supply chain facility outside Nashville, Tennessee, the initiative has established a foundation for broader e-waste collection efforts across Middle Tennessee and the wider southeast US. 

Addressing e-waste through logistics innovation

The pilot programme was undertaken by FedEx Supply Chain and Pyxera Global, with support from FedEx Cares funding. The initiative aimed to explore how logistics firms could help close the loop on electronic materials that typically end up in landfills.

According to the 2022 Global E-Waste Monitor, 62 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated worldwide, yet only 22.3% of that material was recycled. Items such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets and servers contain critical minerals which are highly sought after for producing new goods and must be mined if they are not sourced through recycling efforts.

The programme received the 2025 Leadership Award in the Circular Economy category from the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC). The council recognised how FedEx, Pyxera Global and other collaborators had piloted a circular logistics approach to reuse, repair and responsibly recycle e-waste, resulting in concrete recommendations to guide future efforts.

Scott Temple, President at FedEx Supply Chain, says: "I'm proud of the FedEx Supply Chain team's work every day to support our customers and communities in keeping valuable resources, like e-waste, out of landfills.

"This recognition by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council demonstrates how circular logistics is more than just a business strategy – it's an innovative way supply chains can help conserve valuable resources, strengthen local enterprises and build a more sustainable future."

Expanding critical mineral recovery networks

Following the pilot, Pyxera Global has launched the Circular Supply Chain Coalition (CSCC) to recover and reuse the critical minerals found in e-waste in key regions across the US. 

FedEx Cares provided additional funding to unlock place-based demonstration hubs in the Southeast and Rocky Mountains while building a global network aligned to the mission of reducing electronic waste and accelerating remanufacturing.

John Holm, SVP Partnerships at Pyxera Global and the lead convener of the CSCC, says: "We could not be more thrilled that FedEx has received the recognition they deserve for supporting such an impactful and meaningful project."

"The Circular Supply Chain Coalition's mission is to support and scale local critical mineral procurement and remanufacturing across North America and beyond, and SPLC's validation of our work provides us the necessary momentum to be the go-to resource for local critical mineral procurement."

Driving waste diversion results

FedEx Supply Chain provides warehousing, fulfilment and reverse logistics for its customers in retail, healthcare, automotive and beyond, processing more than 475 million returns annually.

Serving around 300 facilities with a 98.62% landfill diversion rate, its recycling programme could be helping to improve waste diversion for many customers while lowering their carbon footprint.

"SPLC is delighted to acknowledge FedEx and its continued leadership in the field of sustainable procurement," adds Marc Heisterkamp, CEO at SPLC. 

"Reverse logistics is an increasingly important part of the procurement life cycle. This successful demonstration by FedEx and its collaborators creates a clear playbook for the scaling of similar e-waste collection and recycling projects beyond middle Tennessee."