How to Make Money with Free Trash

Free trash is much more valuable than it sounds. You know the old saying, right? It really isn't difficult to make money with other people's castoffs. Read on to get started making money with free trash.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Free furniture!

   Make money with free trash by contacting the local trash company or sanitation department to inquire when they offer bulky item pickup. Normally if an item is put on the curbside, it's considered free to whomever can haul it off first.
   
   Borrow a truck if you have to, bring a friend, dress comfortably and start early on the designated date. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
   
   If you find a piece of furniture that is workable for your skill level, then grab it quick and continue scouting out all curbsides in the vicinity. Your free furniture find can be redone, redesigned and sold to make money.

2. 
    
   Garage sale leftovers.

   Make money on weekends by planning garage sale routes strategically. Note ending times that are listed for each sale. Work your way around the sales at day's end as homeowners begin to pack up leftovers.
   
   Offer to take any freebies off their hands, but be prepared to take whatever is given. Often the owner is tired and just wants to clear out their garage or living space and will gladly give you leftover items.
   
   Make sure you have a vehicle capable of hauling away the free trash. When you get home, sort the treasures from the trash. You can sell your newfound treasures at your own garage sale or a local swap meet.

3. Check the FREE section under Craigslist.com for your area. It's a good idea to check this category daily as items listed usually don't last long.
   
   This free trash is not normally considered trash at all. Usually the owner just wants more space. You can make money by taking this item off their hands.

4. 
    
   Bottle Cap Jewelry.

   Make money by recycling free bottle caps into unique jewelry pieces. If you don't have enough bottle caps in your home, make the local bartender your buddy.
   
   You can design jewelry, beaded curtains, belts, etc. all from bottle caps. Research eHow for articles on bottle cap jewelry or search online for more inspiration. Sell your bottle cap designs on Etsy or Ebay to make money or you can list items FREE on Craigslist.

5. 
    
   Recycled Art for Sale!

   Make money by recycling free trash into unique and serviceable works of art. You'd need to be a proficient welder to make the chair pictured, but you can make pretty wind chimes or picture holders to sell using old utensils. (see resources)

6. 
    
   Paper shredder.

   To make money with free trash, look around your own home. Open up your paper shredder, get out that free paper and make some beautiful handmade note paper.
   
   Find several articles on eHow that explain the procedure in detail. Sell recycled note cards and paper on Etsy or at a local craft fair.
   
   You can make money with free trash in many different ways. Put on your thinking cap and get creative. Your money is waiting! :)

Tips & Warnings

• Anytime you can make money with free trash is a good thing. Keep your mind, eyes and ears open for creative opportunities. You'll be helping the earth and adding money to your bank account at the same time. :)

Resources

• How to Make Photo or Picture Frame Holders out of Forks

[Creativehearts1]

on 4/1/2009 Great way to keep stuff out of the landfills too!!

[sonni57]

on 3/31/2009 I didn't know you could make money with free trash thanks for the good info.

[smartmoneygrrrl]

on 3/30/2009 These are very clever ways to make extra cash! 5*

[smartmoneygrrrl]

on 3/30/2009 These are very clever ways to make extra cash! 5*

[linkart]

on 3/29/2009 With a little ingenuity, creativity and elbow grease, anyone can make money on other people's junk. Excellent article. 5*