Recyling for Money

There is always talk about recycling for the sake of the environment, but that idea, though very real and useful, is quickly being joined by another compelling reason not to just throw paper, glass, aluminum, plastic and other materials into landfills.  People are realizing the value in “little things”, as well as the common sense realism that use is connected to resources. Start with an evaluation of what someone spends on hauling waste.  Then think about the value of materials themselves.  We know that metal has value, but what about other materials?  Well, they had value when they were made, right?  Smart Americans are realizing that the value-to-waste principle that many live by is tragically flawed, and are taking a more detailed approach to the value of all of their materials and possessions. Bottle and Can Deposits It’s pretty well known that glass bottles and aluminum cans carry a deposit value, usually around 5 cents.  Sure, busy professionals may want somebody else do the work of collecting and delivering these materials to collect the deposits, but for many others, this is an opportunity to make a little side money from something that doesn’t rely on making the boss happy.  Returning these materials puts a few dollars into someone’s pocket and takes some weight out of our overused landfills. Other Materials: The Bulk Factor What about stuff like paper and cardboard? It’s hard for one person to make money with recycling these materials, but some companies will buy them in larger amounts.  Institutions like churches and civic centers are cashing in on this and helping locals recycle for an all-around benefit. Tech Recycling What about your  personal electronics?  Do they have any value at the end of their use?  Sure.  Just like cars, although it can be hard to identify and profit from this value, technology has manufactured value built in.  For instance, savvy customers bring back re-usable parts like ink cartridges to big stores like Staples that often offer a credit for these materials.  In the case of full hardware systems like laptop and desktop computers, specialized parts shops are taking old hardware and breaking it down into re-usable and re-sellable parts.  Although individuals may not be able to do this themselves, they may be able to make a deal with a third party to get a better option for dealing with old or broken hardware. The Big Stuff So what about furniture, light fixtures, personal gym setups, and everything else you want to leave behind?  For these kinds of items, the Craigslist phenomenon has offered even more solutions for re-using old possessions.  Where previously some owners may not have wanted to haul all of their old stuff in to thrift stores, online selling offers an easier way to make a few bucks off of that old sofa or chair, or anything else that’s cluttering up a residence.  This new way to re-use and trade proves the old adage that someone’s junk is someone else’s treasure. With all of these resources, and a knowledge of intrinsic value, it’s irresponsible to pile your old materials and possessions up into junk piles – look to innovative, resourceful solutions and become part of the fix, not part of the problem.  You might even get some cash out of the deal.