How to Make Money Recycling Electronics

Bringing in your recyclables can definitely earn some money.

If you have unwanted or nonworking electronics, you can make money recycling them instead of discarding. Millions of electronic products are thrown away each year (many in working condition) and are polluting the environment. Instead, create a win-win through recycling. Put money in your pocket while benefiting the environment and reducing landfill usage. The process is easy.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Collect all the electronic products in your home you want to recycle. If you are feeling ambitious, also collect old electronics from friends, family and neighbors.

2. Target the establishments to bring your items. Some locations are Costco, Best Buy and Office Depot. Websites offering cash for electronics abound, including Gazelle, BuyMyTronics and many more.

3. Learn which organizations will pay you the most. Each has different criteria regarding how many items they will accept, age and condition. Take a moment to review all your options.

4. Review the reputation of each organization via the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before recycling.

5. Donate your electronics to the selected organization. Make sure to get a receipt for proof of payment and for possible tax credit.

Tips & Warnings

• Items less than five years old in working condition will bring the most money when recycling.

• Depending on the recycling center, the electronics may not need to be in working condition. Nonworking electronics may be accepted but will not bring as much money.

• Always erase your hard drive when recycling your computer or laptop. It contains valuable personal information showing habits, contacts and credit card numbers that can lead to identity theft.

References

• SodaCans: Make Extra Money Recycling
• WiseBread: Make Money Recycling: Get Paid to Recycle by 15 Websites

Resources

• BuyMyTronics
• Gazelle: Get Cash for Your Gadgets