Get Money for Recycling
The Internet makes it easier than ever to find people looking for something you don't want anymore, and several businesses and nonprofits base their entire model on the fact that there is still plenty of life left in that cell phone or computer. Photo:Flickr/KrissZPhotography
Looking for some spare change? With the many companies cropping up that offer cash or services in exchange for your used goods, it’s time to start thinking of recycling as the new couch cushions.
With a little effort, everything from books to cookie wrappers can be traded in for goods or cash.
Here are several ideas to help you responsibly recycle and make a little money at the same time.
Glass bottles and aluminum cans
In states with bottle bills, you can redeem many of the cans and bottles you buy for cash, usually 5-10 cents a bottle. You pay the deposit when you buy the product, so redeeming these empties is a great way to recycle, while putting a little change back in your pocket.
If you don’t have a container deposit law in your state, check out the Container Recycling Institute’s Bottle Bill Toolkit for tips on lobbying for one.
E-waste
Because of the materials used to make electronics such as lead, mercury and brominated flame retardants, it is important to keep as much of the estimated 2.5 million-plus tons of e-waste out of the waste stream.
What’s more, many of the materials necessary in cell phone production, such as coltan, are rare and the need for them is the cause for conflict in countries where they are mined. Whether the materials used to make electronics are abundant or not, it is more efficient to reuse these resources than to mine, process and ship new ones.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to be sure your e-waste is recycled properly, and some companies will even pay for your e-waste.
BuyMyTronics will do just what the name implies. Companies like BuyMyTronics, Gazelle, YouRenew buy everything from cell phones to laptops. What’s more, most of these types of companies offer the option to put your recycled electronic bucks towards the charity of your choice.
Office supply stores like Staples will pay a few dollars for each printer or toner cartridge returned for recycling. These cartridges can be refilled and reused, so most manufacturers are eager to have them returned.
While some companies won’t give you money for your e-waste, several will pick it up for a nominal fee. In New York City, The 4th Bin will collect everything from computers to cell phones. Also, the company only works with ISO 14001 certified partners to make sure all e-waste is recycled responsibly. Greendisk is a similar mail-in service that accepts e-waste for recycling.
No matter where you recycle your e-waste, keep in mind that the recyclers are following the standards laid out by the e-Stewards Initiative.
Got a pile of books that's just collecting dust on the shelves? Turn that stack into cash by using a swap service. Photo: Flickr/wonderlane
Books, CDs and DVDs
While you can always resell your used books or CDs on the web or at your local used book or CD store, another great way to get exactly the book or CD you want is by using a swapping service such as PaperBackSwap or SwapTree.
For each book you mail out at your expense, you get a credit that you can use to order one of the thousands of books listed on the services’ sites.
Clothing
Many secondhand or consignment shops will buy your used clothing and furniture. Stores like Buffalo Exchange, which has locations across the country, will give you cash or store credit to use toward the latest new-to-you outfit.
Trash to Cash
Thanks to innovative entrepreneurs who are working to find new ways to make products out of wrappers formerly known as waste, there are more and more opportunities to both reduce your personal garbage output and make a little extra cash.
Terracycle has set up brigades all over the country that allow groups and nonprofits to collect everything from energy bar wrappers to empty scotch tape rolls and turn them in for cash. Terracycle takes this “trash” and uses it to produce a varied line of new products, which includes everything from toys to trash cans.
Also, Recyclebank partners with cities and towns to measure and reward residents for recycling. Residents receive credits toward partner businesses based on the amount they recycle.
Read more
Top 5 Green Charities
Get Cash for Recycling Your Cell Phone
Cash For Clunkers Spinoffs
- Helen Vespirini. (08/01/2001). "Congo's Coltan Rush" BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1468772.stm.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (02/23/2010). "Wastes - Resource Conservation - Common Wastes & Materials - eCycling" http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/faq.htm#howmuch.
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