15 Items You Can Recycle For Money
- Thomas Nelson
- June 3, 2024
- Sustainable Living
- 0 Comments
Recycling not only helps the environment by reducing waste but can also be a great way to earn some extra cash. Many everyday items that we often discard can be recycled for money, providing an incentive to clean up, declutter, and contribute to a greener planet. As an environmentalist, I’m excited to share these opportunities with you because they align with sustainable living while offering financial benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 items you can recycle for money. From common household items to more specialized materials, you’ll be surprised at how much value can be found in things you might have considered trash. Let’s dive into these recyclable treasures and see how you can turn waste into wealth.
Aluminum Cans
Aluminum cans are one of the most commonly recycled items for money. They are easy to collect, and recycling centers pay by weight. You can typically earn about $0.50 to $0.70 per pound, depending on the current market rates. A pound of aluminum cans is roughly 32 to 35 cans, so even small collections can add up quickly.
To maximize your earnings, consider setting up a collection bin in your home or workplace and encourage others to contribute. Regularly check the rates at your local recycling center to ensure you’re getting the best price. Not only will you earn money, but you’ll also contribute to reducing the energy needed to produce new aluminum, which is a win-win for your wallet and the environment.
Scrap Metal
Scrap metal recycling can be quite profitable, especially if you have access to a steady supply of metal. Items like old appliances, car parts, and even metal furniture can be sold for scrap. Prices vary depending on the type of metal, with copper, brass, and aluminum fetching higher prices. For example, copper can sell for $2.50 to $3.00 per pound, while aluminum might bring in $0.50 to $0.70 per pound.
To get started, gather any unwanted metal items and separate them by type to get the best price. Contact local scrap yards to compare rates and learn about their specific requirements for accepting materials. Recycling scrap metal not only provides extra income but also helps reduce the need for mining new metals, preserving natural resources.
Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles, especially those made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), are widely accepted by recycling programs and can earn you some cash. The price for plastic bottles varies, but you can expect to make around $0.05 to $0.10 per bottle in states with bottle deposit laws. In other areas, recycling centers may pay by weight, with rates around $0.20 per pound.
To increase your earnings, make sure to clean and sort the bottles before taking them to the recycling center. Some states also have redemption centers where you can return bottles and cans for a refund. By recycling plastic bottles, you help reduce plastic pollution and promote a circular economy.
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles, like plastic bottles, can be recycled for money in many states with bottle deposit laws. You can typically earn $0.05 to $0.10 per bottle, depending on the type and size. Glass recycling centers also pay by weight, with prices around $0.05 to $0.10 per pound.
To maximize your earnings, rinse out the bottles and sort them by color, as some recycling centers pay more for certain colors. Collecting glass bottles from parties, events, or workplaces can quickly add up. Recycling glass reduces the need for raw materials and conserves energy, making it an environmentally friendly way to earn extra cash.
Electronics
Old electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, can be recycled for money through various programs and companies. Depending on the condition and model, you can earn anywhere from $10 to $300 or more. Many companies, like Gazelle and ecoATM, offer trade-in programs that pay cash or store credit for used electronics.
To get started, gather your unused electronics and research the best buyback programs. Make sure to erase all personal data before recycling. Recycling electronics helps prevent harmful materials from entering landfills and allows valuable components to be reused in new devices.
Car Batteries
Car batteries are another valuable item that can be recycled for money. Recycling centers and auto parts stores often pay between $5 and $20 per battery, depending on the type and condition. Lead-acid batteries, commonly used in cars, are highly recyclable and contain valuable materials.
To recycle your car battery, contact local recycling centers or auto parts stores to find the best rates. Many stores also offer discounts on new batteries when you recycle your old one. Recycling car batteries helps prevent toxic materials from polluting the environment and conserves resources by reclaiming lead and plastic.
Printer Cartridges
Used printer cartridges can be recycled for money through various buyback programs and office supply stores. Depending on the type and condition, you can earn anywhere from $1 to $5 per cartridge. Companies like Staples and Office Depot offer rewards programs that provide store credit for returning used cartridges.
To recycle your printer cartridges, collect them and check with local stores or online buyback programs for their specific requirements. Some programs even provide free shipping labels. Recycling printer cartridges helps reduce waste and allows valuable materials to be reused in new cartridges.
Clothing
Recycling clothing is a great way to declutter your wardrobe and earn some extra cash. Many secondhand stores and online platforms, like ThredUp and Poshmark, buy gently used clothing. Depending on the brand, condition, and demand, you can earn anywhere from a few dollars to over $100 per item.
To maximize your earnings, ensure the clothing is clean and in good condition. Take high-quality photos and provide accurate descriptions if selling online. Recycling clothing extends its life cycle and reduces the demand for new garments, making it a sustainable choice.
Shoes
Like clothing, shoes can be recycled for money through secondhand stores and online platforms. Depending on the brand, condition, and demand, you can earn anywhere from $10 to over $100 per pair. Websites like StockX and GOAT specialize in reselling sneakers, often fetching higher prices.
To get started, clean the shoes and ensure they are in good condition. Take clear photos and provide detailed descriptions when selling online. Recycling shoes helps reduce waste and allows others to enjoy quality footwear at a lower cost.
Books
Books can be recycled for money through secondhand bookstores, online platforms, and buyback programs. Depending on the title, condition, and demand, you can earn anywhere from a few cents to over $20 per book. Websites like Amazon and Decluttr offer buyback programs for used books.
To recycle your books, gather them and check with local stores or online platforms for their specific requirements. Ensure the books are in good condition and have minimal markings. Recycling books helps promote literacy and allows others to enjoy reading while reducing waste.
Furniture
Old furniture can be recycled for money through consignment shops, secondhand stores, and online platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Depending on the type, condition, and demand, you can earn anywhere from $20 to over $500 per piece.
To get started, clean and repair the furniture if necessary. Take high-quality photos and provide detailed descriptions when selling online. Recycling furniture helps reduce landfill waste and provides affordable options for others looking to furnish their homes.
Wine Corks
Wine corks are often overlooked as a recyclable item, but they can be repurposed and sold for various craft projects. Some companies and websites buy used wine corks, paying around $0.05 to $0.10 per cork. While the earnings might not be substantial, it’s a great way to recycle and reduce waste.
To recycle wine corks, collect them and check with companies or online platforms that buy used corks. Ensure the corks are clean and free of any damage. Recycling wine corks helps reduce waste and provides materials for creative projects.
Cardboard
Cardboard can be recycled for money through recycling centers and buyback programs. Depending on the type and quantity, you can earn around $0.01 to $0.05 per pound. While the earnings might not be significant, recycling cardboard helps reduce waste and conserve resources.
To recycle cardboard, break down the boxes and remove any non-recyclable materials. Check with local recycling centers for their specific requirements and rates. Recycling cardboard helps reduce the demand for new paper products and supports sustainable forestry practices.
Tires
Old tires can be recycled for money through tire recycling programs and auto shops. Depending on the type and condition, you can earn around $1 to $5 per tire. Some states also have tire recycling fees that provide additional incentives for recycling.
To recycle tires, contact local tire recycling programs or auto shops to find the best rates. Ensure the tires are clean and free of any debris. Recycling tires helps prevent them from ending up in landfills and allows the materials to be repurposed for new products.
Ink Cartridges
Used ink cartridges can be recycled for money through buyback programs and office supply stores. Depending on the type and condition, you can earn anywhere from $1 to $5 per cartridge. Companies like Staples and Office Depot offer rewards programs that provide store credit for returning used cartridges.
To recycle your ink cartridges, collect them and check with local stores or online buyback programs for their specific requirements. Some programs even provide free shipping labels. Recycling ink cartridges helps reduce waste and allows valuable materials to be reused in new cartridges.
Recycling these 15 items not only helps the environment but also provides an opportunity to earn some extra cash. By taking the time to collect and recycle these materials, you can contribute to a more sustainable future while benefiting financially.
