Recycling is good for the Earth, but you may be surprised at how it can help your wallet. With a little time and creativity, you can recycle more and make yourself some cash.
Trash or Cash
Those old computer parts and soda cans cluttering up your spare room might be worth something at your local scrap metal recycling center. Scrap recycling centers will pay for items with certain metals, such as aluminum, copper and steel.
Contact your neighborhood recycling center for a list of drop-off places. If you live in an area with aluminum can deposits, you can still pop the aluminum tabs off the cans before turning the cans in for your money back.
Yard Sales
Holding a yard sale is a way for you to recycle your old things and make some money. You’re reducing waste and making quick cash at the same time.
Consider shopping at yard sales and rummage stores as well. You’ll save money and reuse old items, reducing consumer waste.
Make Compost
A lot of the food waste you have makes excellent garden compost when mixed together and allowed to sit. Banana peel, eggshells, old fruits and vegetables and coffee grounds are all suitable for a compost heap.
You don’t need an expensive compost bin to make your heap. An old bucket with a tight lid will do. Add your waste to the bucket and keep the lid on tight when not in use.
Stop Using Disposables
Disposables contribute to the waste problem and cost you more in the long run. If you buy paper napkins, for instance, try getting cloth napkins instead. You can wash the cloth napkins repeatedly before you have to dispose of them.
Disposable water bottles tax the environment and your wallet. Get a good, refillable water bottle and a filter for your sink instead. You’ll save money and lessen your plastic waste.
Think Creatively
You might be throwing out things you could be reusing. A glass jar, for example, can be a vase, coin bank or pencil holder. Before you toss something, consider whether you can make something you need out of it.
By recycling old items, you’ll save cash and lessen the amount of garbage going into landfills. Decorations, such as paint or stickers, can make the item more unique.
Don’t Forget Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are often recyclable but often end up in landfills. Many auto stores take back car batteries, for instance and will give you money back or money off on a new battery. Check other batteries in your house to see if the batteries have the recycle symbol before disposal.
Once you’ve started saving money through recycling, make the money work for you by checking out savings rates. For example, going to websites such as http://www.moneysupermarket.com/savings/ in the UK will allow you to compare rates and get an idea of what you should expect from your bank.
