Ethan Clarke
Recycling plastic is an easy way to earn money while helping the planet. In the US, only a few states have bottle bills or bottle deposit laws, which offer money for recycled plastic bottles. If you live in one of these states, you can earn between 5 cents and 10 cents per plastic item. However, if you don't live in a state with a bottle bill, there are still ways to make money from recycling plastic. For example, you can recycle scrap plastic, such as plastic pallets, flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). You can also recycle electronics, cardboard, and cooking oil for cash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of US states with bottle bills | 10 |
| Earning per plastic item in bottle bill states | 5-10 cents |
| Earning per plastic item in California | 5-10 cents |
| Earning per plastic item in Connecticut | 5 cents |
| Earning per plastic item in Hawaii | Not specified |
| Earning per plastic item in Vermont | 5-15 cents |
| Earning per pound of recycled HDPE | $0.50 - $1.50 |
| Earning per pound of recycled LDPE | $0.30 - $0.70 |
| Earning per cardboard box | $45 per ton |
| Earning per empty ink cartridge | $2 |
| Earning per gallon of used cooking oil | Not specified |
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What You'll Learn
Identify plastic types
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin identification code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number is used to identify the type of plastic the material is made from, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable.
PET or PETE (#1) is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It is used for soda, water, and other drink bottles, as well as some food packaging like peanut butter jars and containers. PET plastic is recyclable, and about 25% of PET bottles in the US are recycled.
HDPE (#2) is accepted worldwide because it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. It is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags.
PVC (#3) is a soft, flexible plastic, used for a wide range of household products, including bread bags, frozen food bags, and plastic shopping bags. It is also used for car parts and window fittings. PVC is not easily recyclable and requires separation from other plastics for recycling.
LDPE (#4) is used for plastic bags and wrapping. It is considered less toxic than other plastics and is relatively safe, although it is not commonly recycled.
PP (#5) is used for some tubs and trays. It is also used to make straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps. PP products can sometimes be recycled.
PS (#6) is used for takeaway boxes and disposable cutlery. It is made into rigid or foam products, the latter being known as Styrofoam. PS is not easily recyclable and most places do not accept it, even in rigid form.
Other (#7) plastics are often made from multiple plastic types or from other types of plastic that cannot be easily recycled.
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Check for local bottle bills
If you want to make money by recycling plastic, one of the first things to do is check whether your state has a bottle bill. Bottle bills are essentially laws that allow you to redeem your plastic bottles for money. In the US, only about 10 states have such bottle bills in place. These include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Vermont. Depending on the state, you can earn between $0.05 and $0.10 per plastic bottle or container. For instance, in California, you can get $0.05 for containers that are less than 24 oz and $0.10 for containers that are 24 oz or larger. The state also allows you to redeem containers made from glass or bi-metal. In Connecticut, you can get paid for any can, bottle, jar, or carton made from plastic, glass, or metal, but not HDPE containers. Similarly, Vermont pays for any can, jar, or carton made from plastic, glass, metal, paper, or a combination. Hawaii will pay you for any container up to 68 oz that is composed of plastic, aluminum, bi-metal, or glass.
If you live in a state with a bottle bill, you can take your plastic containers to redemption centers and trade them for cash. Many grocery stores and supermarkets in these states have machines for plastic bottles and other recyclables, which can usually be found behind the store or in the parking lot. You can use these machines to get cash for your plastic bottles. If you're unsure whether your local store has a machine, it's a good idea to ask. Alternatively, you can call or visit your local gas station or convenience store and inquire about bottle redemption.
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Collect and sort plastic
Collecting and sorting plastic for recycling is a great way to earn some extra money while helping the planet. Here are some detailed steps and tips to get you started:
Start with your own home
The first place to look for plastic to recycle is your own home. Go through your house and collect any plastic containers, such as cartons, bottles, and jars, that you would usually throw out. You can also ask your family and friends if they have any plastic items they are willing to give you. By starting with your own household plastic waste, you can easily build a small collection of recyclable materials.
Check your local area
If you want to increase your earnings, look beyond your home and explore your local area for more plastic collection opportunities. Keep an eye out for plastic waste during your daily walks or drives. You can also try contacting local bars and restaurants, as they may be willing to pay you to haul away their plastic waste. Additionally, check if your local waste management plant has any scrap plastic available for collection.
Understand your local recycling programs
Different areas may have varying policies and incentives for recycling plastic. Research the recycling programs in your city or state to understand the options available to you. Some places, like California, Connecticut, and Hawaii, have bottle bills that allow you to redeem plastic containers for cash. Other states, like Texas, may not offer money for plastic bottles but have recycling centers that pay for other plastic waste. Understanding the local recycling landscape will help you maximize your earnings.
Separate and sort your plastic waste
Once you have collected a substantial amount of plastic, it's time to sort it. Sorting plastic by type is crucial, as different types of plastic have different values and recycling processes. Common types of plastic to look out for include Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Mixed Rigid Plastics (MRPs). Separating and sorting your plastic waste will make it easier to process and sell.
Find the right buyers or recycling centers
After you have sorted your plastic, the next step is to find buyers or recycling centers that will pay you for your collected materials. You can search for local recycling companies or reach out to organizations like Power Plastic Recycling, which serves several cities in Texas. You can also explore online options, such as selling empty ink cartridges on websites like eBay or Craigslist. Additionally, look into social enterprises like Plastic Bank, which has operations in multiple countries and offers income and social benefits to community members who collect plastic.
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Trade plastic for cash
Trading plastic for cash is a great way to earn some extra money while helping the environment. While it may not be possible to recycle plastic bottles for cash in some states, there are still ways to make money from recycling plastic.
If you live in a state with a bottle bill, you can take your plastic containers to a recycling center and trade them for cash. The amount you can earn varies depending on the state and the size of the container, ranging from 5 to 10 cents per container. For example, in California, you can get 5 cents for containers less than 24 oz and 10 cents for containers 24 oz or larger. Connecticut pays 5 cents per container, while Hawaii offers cash for any container up to 68 oz.
If you don't live in a state with a bottle bill, you can still recycle plastic for money by focusing on scrap plastic. This includes items such as plastic pallets, flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and mixed rigid plastics (MRPs). The price of recycled plastic varies depending on the type and quality of the plastic, as well as market supply and demand. For example, recycled HDPE can sell for around $0.50 to $1.50 per pound, while LDPE sells for between $0.30 and $0.70 per pound.
You can also recycle other items for cash, such as cardboard, paper, and electronics. Cardboard boxes, for instance, can be worth around $45 per ton. Ink cartridges can be traded at office supply stores or sold online, typically earning you $2 per cartridge. Electronics can also be recycled for cash, although the value of electronic waste can vary depending on the materials they contain.
So, whether you live in a state with a bottle bill or not, there are plenty of opportunities to trade plastic for cash and contribute to a sustainable environment while earning some extra income.
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Recycle other materials
Recycling is a great way to earn some extra money while helping the planet. Apart from plastic, there are several other materials that can be recycled for money.
Metal
Scrap metal is one of the most profitable materials to recycle for money. Non-ferrous metals, which do not contain iron, are the most valuable. This includes aluminium, copper, and brass. You can take your scrap metal to a scrap yard or other scrap facilities and get paid for it.
Glass
In some states in the US, you can get paid for recycling glass bottles, usually about 5 to 10 cents per bottle.
Cardboard and Paper
Cardboard and paper can be recycled for money. The price of baled cardboard in the US is between $20 and $26, or about $0.02 to $0.03 per pound. Paper makes up about 66.5% of recycled materials.
Electronics
Old electronic items, such as TVs, washing machines, computers, and rechargeable batteries, can be recycled for money. Certain companies will offer money for these items, and some stores will also recycle e-waste for cash.
Other items
There are several other items that can be recycled for money, including:
- Ink cartridges: You can trade these at office supply stores or sell them online.
- Cans: These can be recycled for money in some states.
- Used clothing: You can sell your old clothes or recycle them for money.
- Cooking oil: Used cooking oil can be recycled for cash.
- Human hair: You can sell your hair or recycle it for money.
- Corks: These can be recycled and may earn you some extra cash.
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Frequently asked questions
If you live in a state with a bottle bill, you can get paid for recycling plastic containers. The amount you can earn varies by state and the type of container, but it's usually between 5 and 10 cents per container.
California, Connecticut, and Hawaii are some examples of states with bottle bills. In California, you can get 5 cents for containers less than 24 oz and 10 cents for containers 24 oz or larger.
There are over 50 types of plastic, but three main types for recycling: HDPE (opaque bottles), PVC (clear bottles with a seam at the base), and PET (clear bottles with a hard, molded plastic center at the base).
You can take your plastic containers to your local recycling center or a store that offers bottle returns. Some states also have bottle redemption centers where you can trade your containers for cash.
