I've got a few chapters to re-write on a book I am co-authoring and so I am going to cheat on this weekend's blog posts. I've given two topic ideas to an AI, and had it write the posts for today and yesterday. (I read through both and made sure I agreed with everything in it.
I added my thoughts in italics. I hope you understand! It's hard to write a blog post 7 days a week!) :)
If you’re like me, you grew up hearing “recycling isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for your wallet!” Maybe you even had a childhood side hustle collecting cans after ballgames or at family BBQs, cashing in a garbage bag for a pizza night. Well, here’s the best part: recycling for a profit isn’t just nostalgia from the ‘80s and ‘90s. If you’re willing to put in a little legwork, you can absolutely make a tidy sum from items most people throw away.
While aluminum cans are the classic, there’s a universe of everyday “junk” that can be turned into cash: scrap metal, ink jet/toner cartridges, certain plastics, electronics, batteries, cardboard, and even old cell phones. Let’s dig into the details—because whether you want to offset grocery bills, teach kids the value of a buck, or build up your “mad money” stash, recycling can do more than just green your conscience.
Aluminum Cans: The Gateway to Recycling Riches
Let’s start with what you know. Collecting aluminum cans is still the easiest, most accessible entry point. Most states don’t have a deposit law for each can, but recycling centers everywhere pay for clean, empty cans. In late 2025, you’ll get about 40 to 50 cents per pound (prices do fluctuate). With around 30 to 34 cans in a pound, that’s $4–$5 for every 100 cans you collect.
How to maximize your haul:
- Save all cans from your own grocery runs, soda, and energy drinks.
- Ask friends, family, or neighbors to save theirs (“I’ll do the sorting and hauling!”).
- Look for cans at public events after clean-up, or offer to take recycling from local offices.
- Rinse and crush them to save space and get a better price.
Where to take them:
- Most towns have at least one scrap yard, recycling center, or even large grocery store that accepts cans. Search “[your town] aluminum recycling” for local spots or check Earth911.com.
Scrap Metal: The Heaviest Hitter
Aluminum cans are just the beginning. Scrap yards also pay cash for plenty of other metals:
- Copper: Think old wires, pipes, broken electronics, and extension cords (strip the insulation for the highest price).
- Brass: Faucet fixtures, plumbing scraps, keys.
- Steel & Iron: Old tools, appliances, bed frames, or even lawn mowers.
- Stainless Steel: Broken cutlery, sinks, or pots and pans.
- Lead: Car batteries, old fishing weights.
2025 Price Estimates:
- Copper: $2.75–$4.00/lb (stripped wire fetches top dollar)
- Brass: $1.75–$2.25/lb
- Steel/Iron: $0.10–$0.20/lb
- Stainless Steel: $0.35–$0.55/lb
How to collect:
- Ask friends/family to let you pick up their old appliances, tools, or electronics.
- Check the “Free” section on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for scrap metal listings.
- Offer to help haul away junk for neighbors or small businesses—many folks are happy just to have it gone.
- Always check local laws and never take from curbs unless it’s marked “free.”
Where to sell:
- Local scrap metal yards, metal recycling centers (use an online search or Earth911.com for locations). Bring ID; some states require it for sales.
Ink Jet and Toner Cartridges: Small, Light, and Surprisingly Lucrative
Tossing ink cartridges? Don’t do it! You can still turn those empties into store credit, and it’s one of my favorite low-effort recycling “hustles” for folks who go through a lot of printing.
Office supply stores:
- Staples: You can recycle up to 6 ink or toner cartridges per month through Staples Rewards. Each cartridge earns you 500 points, which can be redeemed for store credit. If you’re a Premier Gold member (yes, there’s a higher tier for big spenders), you may be able to recycle up to 20 per month with a qualifying purchase, and occasional promotions may bump that number higher. Keep in mind: you’ll need a minimum $10 purchase in the same month to get your rewards, and the reward is given as store credit—not cash.
- Office Depot/OfficeMax: Their rewards program lets you recycle up to 10 cartridges per month for $2 store credit each (so, up to $20/month)—but there’s a catch: you must make a $10 qualifying purchase in the same month to receive the rewards. Credits are provided as store rewards, not as cash.
Online & Shipping:
- Eco-friendly companies like eCycle Group, Cartridge World, or Toner Buyer are happy to pay $1–$4 for certain popular cartridge models. These programs are ideal if you’ve got a backlog or collect from friends—just box them up, print a prepaid label, and pop them in the mail.
- I set up a collection box in my elementary school that I taught at and promoted it in parent newsletters to the whole school. This helped to gather hundreds of ink jet cartridges over the years. I took those cartridges in to Office Max and earned store credit. I then used that store credit to buy cases of copy paper for our school that was always out of paper! It was a great system, but Office Max changed their policy at one point and made it harder for me to make it work.
- I found "a guy" on eBay that buys ink jet cartridges and pays better than everyone else. He just asks for the model numbers first, and then he buys what he needs. Then you pay to ship it to him in California. Last time I did it, I sent him a box of cartridges gathered over the years and ended up with about $100 profit! Not bad for trash (One man's trash is another man's treasure!). He even asked me to keep in touch as I got new ones to send him!
Community Drives:
- Many schools, libraries, or churches run cartridge recycling fundraisers—so if you don’t need the rewards, consider donating. Your old cartridges might stock school supplies or support local programs and, honestly, that’s a win-win.
- Even with the more limited monthly caps, regularly recycling your used ink and toner cartridges can add up to $60–$240+ annually—and that’s just for what you use at home! If you’re really motivated, collect extras from family, friends, or the office breakroom, and let your rewards offset your own future ink or stationery purchases.
Electronics: Making Big Bucks from “E-Waste”
Did you know you can get paid for recycling old cell phones, tablets, laptops, and even MP3 players?
- Old Cell Phones/Tablets: Sites like Gazelle, EcoATM (kiosks at malls/Walmart), and It’s Worth More buy working and broken devices. Modern smartphones/Apple gear may net $10–$300 each.
- Laptops: Working units are valuable; non-working ones still have copper and circuit boards you can scrap for a few bucks each.
- Other Devices: Check buyback programs or offer-up sites before scrapping.
Pro Tips:
- Always wipe your data first.
- Save cords, chargers, and accessories—they can increase the sale price.
- Some recyclers (Best Buy) offer gift cards for electronics drop-off.
Plastics, Cardboard, and “Everyday” Recycling
- Plastic Bottles/Jugs: Some states (MI, CA, NY, etc.) pay bottle/can deposits—save and return for 5–10¢ each. No deposit in your state? Check for local plastics recyclers that pay by volume (not common, but worth checking for big hauls).
- Cardboard: Large quantities—think moving boxes or business clean-outs—can sometimes be sold at 50–100¢ per 100 lbs if clean, dry, and bundled. Not a “get rich quick” method, but steady for those with access!
- Used Cooking Oil: Some restaurants or community programs pay for used fryer oil to convert to biodiesel.
- Batteries, Lightbulbs, and Oddball Items
- Car Batteries: Auto parts stores will often pay $5–$10 for each old car battery returned.
- Lead Acid or Rechargeable Batteries: Scrap yards may accept them (and pay).
- Lightbulbs: Not a money generator, but collection events sometimes offer small incentives for old CFL/LED returns.
Realistic Earning Potential
So, how much can you actually make? Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Collect/return 1,000 cans = $15–$20 (over a couple months)
- Gather scrap wire, pipes, and appliances from a neighborhood clean-up = $50–$200 (once or twice a year)
- Turn in 10 ink cartridges/month through Staples/Office Depot = $240/year (used when shopping there)
- Sell an old smartphone and tablet = $40–$200 (one-time per device)
- Car battery or two each year = $10–$20
- Total for a motivated but casual recycler:
- $300–$500/year—with the side benefit of clearing space, helping the environment, and sometimes teaching kids the value of scrounging.
- Ambitious scrappers (with a truck or a big side hustle mentality) can make $1,000 or more each year. It’s not a full-time job, but it sure beats tossing that money into the landfill!
Getting Started: Tips for Profit and Sanity
- Safety first: Always wear gloves, especially when handling sharp metal or electronics.
- Sort and store: Use bins for aluminum, copper, steel, and others to save time at the yard (most pay more for “clean” metal).
- Check local regulations: Some cities require a license for metal hauling or limit bulk pickups.
- Don’t get discouraged: Prices fluctuate, so focus on steady collection (and use price spikes for big hauls).
- Record your hauls: Keep a little notebook or spreadsheet to track your earnings and motivate yourself.
Final Thoughts: Turn Trash Into Treasure!
Recycling for cash is proof that frugality and sustainability can go hand in hand. Every can, wire, battery, or cartridge you collect is one less item in a landfill—and one more dollar in your pocket. It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest, practical money that anyone can earn with a little bit of hustle and the willingness to see value where others see trash.
Have you had recycling success or found a “weird” item that pays surprisingly well? Share your best recycling stories or tips in the comments—let’s help each other turn trash into treasure, one can or cable at a time!
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