Recycling For Money

When you think of recycling, do you think making money? Most people think about recycling in terms of reducing trash or helping the environment. While these things are true, it is also true that you can make money by recycling.

Save your cans and bottles. Many states charge a deposit when you purchase a can or bottle. Most people don't think of it this way, but this really is part of the purchase price. Many people don't turn in their cans and bottles, but the money can really add up. Five cents a can or bottle can turn into dollars quickly. This doesn't just have to be your cans or bottles. Many people throw them out with the regular trash, or just put them in their recycling bins. Take a drive through your neighborhood on trash day and you could easily gather bags of cans and bottles that you can turn into cold hard cash.

How about grocery bags? My grocery store gives me a five cent discount for each bag that I bring in to sack my groceries in. I save my bags and stick them in my purse before I head to the store. I am saving the environment and making a little money too. It usually amounts to $.40 a week.

Recycling will definitely reduce the amount of trash you generate each week. Many cities charge per bag of trash that they pick up. Reducing your bags from four to two each week, can really save you some money.

Toner cartridges are becoming popular items to recycle. Staples offers a $3 in-store coupon for each cartridge you bring in. This can allow you to purchase what you need, while not spending as much of your money. To me and this article, spending less is like making money.

When we moved I sold, (in other words recycled) all of our moving supplies. We had lots of good solid boxes that could easily be used again, as well as lots of bubble wrap and plastic slip pockets for dishes. It was very tempting to just throw this stuff away and get it out of my house. However I took the time to post it all on Craigs list and within a couple of days I had made money off of it all.

What about recycling clothing and toys? You might not think of these things as recyclable, but really they are. If you sell them when you are through with them, you are recycling them and making money. Whether it be on Ebay, at a consignment store or by having a garage sale, selling the things you are not using anymore is recycling and you can make money by doing it.

Let's not forget making money for other people as well. Our church in CO and our church here, both have huge metal bins in the parking lot. When people come to church they can bring their old newspapers and drop them in the bin. While I personally cannot get paid for the papers and things, the church can sell it and make money. It is based on weight and this has been a good way for both our churches to make some extra money.

Recycling is a great thing to do for the environment and it is why I do many of the things I do. It doesn't just have to be about the environment though. There are many opportunities to make money by recycling. Next time you are going to throw something away, think before you toss, it could be worth some money.