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This is a guest post by reader Marie.
For most of us, recycling for the good of the world has become a way of life. And that’s exactly what it should be. But recycling is also increasingly becoming a way for people to supplement their incomes. Here are a few creative and profitable ways to recycle extra stuff!
One expensive item that should NOT end up in landfills is toner cartridges. Office Depot and Staples stores both offer a $3 credit on their Rewards Card for used toner cartridges. However, there is a better way: reuse the cartridge yourself. Many Costco warehouses will refill toner cartridges for $8-$10. However, double check they refill your particular model. Go to Costco Ink Jet Refill and click on the Cartridges & Pricing to find which cartridges they refill. Then select the Locations tab to find a Costco location near you that will do the job. If you are committed to buying a new toner, BargainBabe.com blogger Bobbi knows where to get the best deals on toner and ink cartridges.
Another profitable way to recycle most electronic gadgets is to donate them. This accomplishes a dual purpose: you benefit from the tax write-off, and any profits from reselling the item enables the charity to help the needy. Many donation centers such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Vietnam Veterans will accept used computers and accessories. If the items can’t be resold, most donation centers will take care of recycling it for you. RECellular.com, YouRenew.com and Gazelle.com will pay cash for your old cell phone and will also pay your shipping costs. If it’s not worth anything, they will recycle it.
Target sends customers a gift card in return for items they send in for recycling. The program is called Nextworth and they give gift cards for a wide range of products. Best Buy charges $10 to take older TVs and monitors for recycling but give customers a $10 gift card in exchange. Apple stores give customers a 10 percent discount on a new iPod in exchange for dropping off an old iPod for recycling.
When all else fails, remember that tried and true “one person’s junk” recycler: the garage sale!
May 25th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I also love Freecycle.org and Craigslist for giving away things we no longer need that we want to keep out of landfills. Great sites!
May 25th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Thanks for the valuable info from all sources. I do take ink carts to either Home Depot or Staples, but generally store other items that can’t be trashed to take to a city-run collection spot. I’m very conservation conscious, and appreciate any and all info to aid in that cause.
May 25th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Huh. I didn’t know Best Buy actually took electronics back for recycling. Great tip.
June 6th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Goodwill will no longer accept old computers.