10 Unique Ways To Get Paid For Recycling

Are you looking for ways to make extra money while contributing to a greener planet? Discover how you can get paid for recycling and turn your trash into treasure. Recycling isn’t just about being eco-friendly; it’s also a lucrative opportunity to earn cash.

Many people don’t realize that recyclable materials like aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic containers, and even electronics have value. Recycling centers, scrap yards, and online platforms are willing to pay for these items.

In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to earn money through recycling. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or just looking for a side hustle, recycling for money is an accessible way to boost your income while making a positive impact on the planet.

How To Get Paid For Recycling?

1. Scrap Metal Recycling

Take a look around your house, and your neighborhood, or even chat with folks at construction sites. You’ll be surprised how much metal is just waiting to be recycled.

• Aluminum (cans, siding, gutters)
• Copper (wiring, plumbing pipes)
• Steel (appliances, car parts)
• Brass (fixtures, musical instruments)

Recycling centers are always on the lookout for these materials, and they’re willing to pay for them.

When you’re ready to cash in, find a local scrap yard or recycling facility. They’ll weigh your haul and pay you based on the type and quality of metal you bring in. You can earn around $100-$300 per ton of scrap metal, depending on the type and weight.

2. Bottle Deposit Programs

Many places have cool programs where you can trade in your empty bottles and cans for cold, hard cash.

• Soda bottles and cans
• Beer bottles and cans
• Water bottles

In some areas, when you buy these drinks, you’re actually paying a little extra – usually a nickel or dime – as a deposit. But here’s the awesome part: you can get that money back. Just save up your empties and take them to a store or special recycling spot.

This whole system is part of what smart people call “bottle deposit laws” or “bottle bills.”

You can earn around $0.05-$0.10 per can or bottle, which can add up to $10-$20 per week.

3. Electronics Recycling

Recycling your old gadgets can put some extra cash in your pocket. Many folks don’t realize that their outdated electronics still have value.

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Gaming consoles

Before you hand over your devices, make sure to wipe all your personal info off them. Then, you’ve got plenty of options to turn that old tech into money.

Big names like Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon will take your stuff. Or you can try online marketplaces such as Gazelle.

Some places even have special machines called ecoATMs where you can drop off your old electronics for instant cash. You can earn around $50-$200 per device, depending on the type and condition.

4. Paper Recycling

Turning trash into cash is easier than you think, especially when it comes to paper and cardboard. Recycling facilities are often on the lookout for various paper products, from yesterday’s news to discarded packaging.

• Office paper
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Cardboard

While the average person might not strike it rich through paper recycling, it’s a different story for businesses and organizations dealing with substantial paper waste. They stand to gain more significant financial benefits from this eco-friendly practice. You can earn around $50-$100 per ton of paper, depending on the type and weight.

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5. Battery Recycling

Recycling batteries can put money in your pocket while helping the environment. Many places now pay you for recycling old batteries.

• Car batteries (lead-acid batteries)
• Rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium)

To get started, gather all the unused batteries from around your house. Don’t forget to check old electronics, remote controls, and that drawer where miscellaneous items tend to accumulate. You might be surprised by how many you find!

Once you’ve collected your batteries, research local recycling options. Many communities have dedicated battery recycling centers that offer rewards programs.

Some electronics stores and even supermarkets have battery collection points where you can earn store credit or cash back. You can earn around $0.50-$1.00 per pound of batteries, which can add up to $10-$20 per month.

6. Ink Cartridge Recycling

Many retailers and office supply chains have established programs that incentivize customers to return their used printer cartridges.

Major office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot lead the charge, offering $2 in rewards for each cartridge you bring in, with a monthly limit of 10 cartridges. This means you could potentially earn up to $20 in store credit every month just by recycling your used ink containers.

Best Buy has jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon too, providing reward points for cartridge recycling that can be redeemed for future purchases.

To maximize your earnings, consider collecting cartridges from various sources. Your home office, workplace, or even neighborhood businesses might be happy to contribute their used cartridges to your recycling efforts. You can earn around $2-$5 per cartridge.

7. Clothing Recycling

There are many ways to turn unwanted clothes into cash or store credit, and it’s not just about donating them.

You can take your high-quality, designer apparel to consignment boutiques and make some money off your fashion investments. If you prefer doing things online, virtual marketplaces like ThredUp and Poshmark have made it easy to sell secondhand clothes to a wide range of buyers.

Big retailers like H&M are also encouraging recycling. They give out discount vouchers when you bring in bags of used clothing. This way, you’re not just making some extra cash, but you’re also helping the environment by promoting recycling and circular fashion practices.

In some places, you can even sell textiles by weight, ensuring that even worn-out clothes can be turned into money while keeping fabric waste out of landfills. You can earn around $5-$10 per pound of clothes.

8.  Plastic Recycling

Turning trash into cash is now a reality with plastic recycling programs.

• PET bottles
• HDPE containers
• Other plastic types depending on local facilities

Start by looking around your home for unused plastic items, then expand your collection by organizing community clean-ups or collecting plastic waste from local events.

When you’ve gathered a decent amount, take your treasures to a recycling facility that offers compensation. These centers usually pay by weight, and the rate depends on the type of plastic and market conditions. Clean and properly sorted plastics will fetch you the best price.

While individual recyclers might make a modest income, the real potential lies in volume. Businesses and dedicated collectors can turn this green initiative into a steady and lucrative income stream. You can earn around $50-$100 per ton of plastic, depending on the type and weight.

9. Recycling Apps

With the rise of eco-friendly technology, various apps now offer financial incentives for your recycling efforts. These platforms transform your everyday green habits into tangible rewards.

Several apps offer rewards for recycling activities:

• Recyclebank: Earn points for learning about recycling and reporting your recycling activities. Points can be redeemed for discounts and gift cards.
• GreenRedeem: Similar to Recyclebank, offering points for recycling activities.
• Binfluencers: Get paid for reporting on the fullness of public recycling bins.

These digital platforms are part of a growing trend in the circular economy, where waste reduction meets financial gain. You can earn around $10-$20 per month in rewards and discounts.

10. Recycling Scrap Wood

Wood recycling offers a unique opportunity to earn money while helping the environment.

Recycling centers are at the forefront of this green initiative, often purchasing clean lumber free from paint or chemical treatments. These facilities transform discarded wood into useful products, reducing the demand for fresh-cut timber.

Similarly, pallet recycling businesses eagerly buy used wooden shipping platforms, refurbishing them for continued use in the supply chain.

The wood recycling industry extends beyond traditional lumber, encompassing a variety of innovative processes. Some companies specialize in converting wood waste into eco-friendly alternatives like composite decking, engineered wood products, or even biofuels.

Final Thoughts

Recycling not only benefits the environment but can also put money in your pocket. By exploring various recycling programs and apps, you can turn your trash into cash. Whether it’s collecting cans and bottles for deposit refunds, selling scrap metal, or participating in electronics recycling initiatives, there are numerous opportunities to earn while reducing waste.