This is an interesting discussion - and I've been following it. I actually experienced this firsthand. I was to pick up somebody's collection a few months ago, (and then distribute to the BX) due to that person moving. They decided they couldn't handle having somebody come pick it up. It is my understanding that the collection was composted. What a tragedy. This leads me to what I personally do. From time to time, I get tired of a particular genus, or group of plants, or they just don't thrive, and what I do is typically give them to other collectors, or trade them off. That way, I know the plants are going to somebody who will actually enjoy, and grow them. As one other member here said earlier, it can also help to fund a project, or an institution. Sometimes that is a good thing, too. For the common stuff that people just don't want - or are a dime a dozen, such as Lily of the Valley, or Bearded Irises, or Stella D'Oro Daylilies, that are not even wanted by the exchange, I always can find takers on Craigslist. It's a great way to meet fellow plant lovers, actually, at least here in New England. Jude