Profitable Recycling Opportunities

Recycling is recognized as being beneficial to the environment and to local communities. Besides recycling common materials like paper and plastic, it is possible to recycle larger and more complex materials as well. Some common materials that can be recycled for profit include rubber, metal and automobiles. The newer trend of recycling eWaste, the waste that is produced from old computers and electronics, is quickly becoming an important facet of the recycling community. Recycling these materials keeps the waste out of landfills, protecting groundwater supplies, and benefits everyone who can use the recycled materials.

Rubber

• Rubber is a composite material, which makes it more difficult to recycle than more common materials like paper. To recycle rubber, you'll first need to find a local recycling center that deals with it. Most communities do not have curbside rubber pickup, so transporting items directly to the facility is often necessary. Collect products around your property like rubber tires and hosing that are good candidates for the program. There may be businesses in your area, like a rubber mulch manufacturer, that will pay for your used rubber.

Metal

• The price for metal is steadily rising, meaning that it is a profitable material to recycle. There are more recycling centers that deal with metal than rubber, so finding one should be easier. In order to collect more metal for recycling, offer to pick up leftover waste at construction sites for free. Because there is an abundance of facilities that recycle metal, call each one in your area to compare the prices that they pay. Often, it is necessary to transport the metal to the facility.

Automobiles

• Large cities often have multiple facilities where automobiles can be recycled for parts and metal. These businesses will often come and pick up a broken-down automobile for free and pay you on top of the tow service. To make even more money, hire a tow truck driver and do a community sweep of abandoned and broken-down cars. Everyone can become involved and share in the profits. You can also donate your car to charity, which will help a family in need and qualify you for a tax break.

eWaste

• Electronic waste can be recycled for profit by fixing or combining various parts into a working system and then selling it. Some computer manufacturers will accept loose parts to refurbish. Most facilities that recycle eWaste charge you a fee to recycle the materials, but old computers or electronics can help you make a profit if they are put to further use.