How to Sell Recycled Cans

An easy way to make some cash.

Recycling aluminum cans is an easy way to earn a little extra money while doing your part to help the environment. In addition to recycling redemption centers that return your deposit for each can that you return, many recycling centers pay individuals for their aluminum cans so that they can use the material to create recycled items. To make it worth your while, try to think of ways where you can collect recycled cans to sell. Because many individuals don't want the hassle of redeeming cans, it may be easier than you think to collect cans in your area.

Instructions

1. Begin a family collection at home for aluminum cans that is separate from your curbside recyclables. It is important to tell your family members what you are doing so that they'll participate in the collection program with you. By placing a collection bin for clean aluminum cans in an easily accessible place (such as by the garbage can), your family will be more likely to participate in the process.

2. Advertise your desire to collect clean aluminum cans on local classified ad sites such as Freecycle.com and Craigslist.com. Offer to pick up the aluminum cans at the individuals' homes or offices so that they don't have to go out of their way to give you their recycled cans. If they use many aluminum cans on a regular basis, you might want to arrange a regular pickup.

3. Go to Earth911.com or look in your phone book to find recycling centers in your area that accept recycled cans. Make sure you will receive payment for the cans prior to dropping them off by calling the recycling center and speaking to a representative.

4. Bring the cans to the recycling center in garbage bags or large bins--whatever method is easiest. At the recycling center, they may pay you by the can or put the entire lot of recycled cans on a scale and pay you according to the weight.

References

• American Consumer News: Make Money By Collecting and Selling Aluminum Cans

Resources

• Earth 911