10 Recyclable Items You Can Turn Into Cash
Whether you’re going all in on spring cleaning or just trying to tidy up a cluttered corner of your home, chances are you’ll end up with a few items that belong in the recycling bin. But before you toss them out, take a minute to assess whether they still have value. We took a look at 10 recyclables that can be sold for extra cash, so that your trash turns into some kind of treasure.
1. Wine Corks
While restaurants and wine shops can sell their used corks to programs like Recork, individuals can only donate their stash. But there’s always eBay: The going rate is 10 cents per cork, and if you have a significant stash saved up, those cents will add up.
2. Cardboard Boxes
Large cardboard boxes are a necessity for anyone who is moving. As long as you can offer a better price than what’s available at your local store, people will be willing to buy used cardboard boxes from places like Craigslist or eBay.
3. Vintage Magazines & Newspapers
If you have a stack of National Geographic or Time Magazine issues hanging out in the garage, the trash can isn’t the only home for them. Some collectors will pay a considerable amount for specific issues or complete collections, like the June 1985 issue of National Geographic.
4. Scrap Copper
Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals you can sell, and can be found in old wiring, plumbing pipes, and electronics. Find a local scrap yard that accepts metals, where you’ll likely be able to sell it for $2 to $4 per pound. Other recyclable scrap metal include aluminum, brass, steel, and lead.
5. Ink & Toner Cartridges
While you might not get cash back for these, some stores offer store credit when you turn in ink and toner cartridges. Staples offers points for recycled cartridges, along with tech, batteries, and other items.
6. Vintage Lightbulbs & Tubes
Certain older lightbulbs that contain rare gases or specialty filaments can be incredibly valuable to niche buyers. Just make sure they’re in working condition.
7. Old Denim
Certain companies like Madewell and American Eagle will offer store credit for bringing in old denim to recycle. While it’s not exactly cash in your pocket, it helps you save on the purchase of new jeans.
8. Old Cell Phones & Tablets
If you have an outdated iPhone or Android hanging out in your junk drawer, don’t leave it there to collect dust. Companies like BuyBackWorld, EcoATM, and Gazelle will pay cash for old — and occasionally even broken — devices.
9. Glass Bottles
Depending on where you live, you could get cash refunds for soda, wine, and beer bottles that you return.
10. Car Parts
If your old car has seen its final days, you may be able to trade in specific parts for some decent cash. Auto shops and scrap yards will pay for catalytic converters, used car batteries, and other items — just do some research ahead of time to make sure you’re getting a fair price.