Cash for Trash
Do you recycle? Would getting paid to recycle give you a little incentive?
Scrap metal prices are pretty high right now, and our neighbors have turned us on to scrappin'. One recent trip to the scrap yard yielded about $500, which was split up between the people who helped with the project. That particular project required a bit of equipment (which we already have,) some knowledge of metals (the neighbor's specialty,) and a good bit of time. It isn't a project for everyone.
Everyone can recycle pop cans though. Aluminum cans are currently bringing $0.70 per pound at our local recyclers. Saving pop cans is easy, and a great project for the kids to take ownership of. Simply put out a bucket, trash can or bin for the cans. When someone drinks a can of pop, they just need to rinse it out and put it in the container. As the container gets full, empty it into a trash bag some place you can store them until you make a trip to the recycling center. Here, they prefer that the cans are not smashed, but you might want to check with your local center.
When you are out running errands anyway, throw the cans in the back of your vehicle, and drop them off. Yesterday my dad and Kellen dropped off five bags of cans (not smashed,) and received a little over $20. Not big money, but easy money.
Recycling your pop cans just makes sense. You can even make it a project for the kids. Recycling your cans keeps them out of the land fill, gives manufacturers the materials they need to make new products, and makes you (or your kids) a little spending money with a very small investment of your time. What's not to like?
Photo credit: laurakaz
Labels:
recycling
5 comments:
Unfortunately in our state, we don't get paid to recycle. In fact, they make us pay them to recycle our stuff. Strange, I know!
Great job on making some extra cash though!!
You have to go to the junk or scrap dealers to get paid.
I have to say, we LOVE our "copper" money! It's at $1.90 a pound right now and husband picks up scrap odds and ends at work.
Amy,
It is only the metal that pays as far as I know, and as milehimama said you have to take it to the scrap yard.
Milehimama,
Yep! Copper was part of our more profitable project. How cool that your husband is able to salvage some at work!
We are saving up our junk for a scrap yard run, but here in NY we have to pay a deposit on our aluminum glass & plastic (at least alcohol & pop) then we get it back when we return the empty. So people up here who throw that stuff out throw out a nickle every time, eek!
Copper "recycling" has led to thievery in our area in Upstate NY.
I had an empty home that was on the market 2 years ago (since sold) when thieves broke into the basement and stole a lot of the pipes. It was a very expensive replacement to get the house sold!
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