How to Make Money Recycling in Texas

Recycling encourages natural Texas beauty.

Recycling assists the environment in positive ways, but few people know that recycling is not merely charitable or environmentally sound, but financially beneficial when approached thoughtfully. Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services states that an average American creates, in a lifetime, 90,000 pounds of waste. By lessening your footprint, not only will Texas remain beautiful, but extra cash awaits. Generating a small income from waste is not only environmentally responsible, but fiscally wise.

Things You'll Need

• Sorting devices, such as large bins or cans
• Transportation mode
• Social network (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Some items are surprisingly recyclable, like copper.

   Research materials. Unfortunately, not all materials are recyclable. Likewise, many materials commonly thought to be non-recyclable items are indeed recyclable. Many items are recyclable in methods outside the traditional recycling service. For example, according to Houston's T's Metals, top dollar is available for a wide variety of scrap metals, from aluminum to alloys, stainless to copper. Many are surprised to learn that even motor oil is recyclable. Designate time to thoroughly research locations, policies, and opportunities to earn cash for items otherwise intended for disposal. Most recycling locations, like T's Metals, recommend calling ahead for a quote. By calling several locations, it is possible to compare quotes and get the most money possible.

2. 

   Divide items into separate containers according to type.

   Segregate items. In bins, cans, or boxes, divide recyclables according to type. Glasses and plastics should not be grouped in the same container, for example. Likewise, items headed to a scrap metal service should not be boxed with items intended for a newspaper recycling center. In Texas, not all locations offer money for all types, so segregating by location is particularly useful.

3. 

   Friends are excellent sources to increase recycling income.

   Solicit involvement from friends, family, or coworkers. Offer to pick up unwanted items, and in turn exchange the items for cash at locations researched in step one. Or, propose to pick up items if others segregate by type. Most people would like to assist in the recycling effort, but find the task time-consuming or "too much work." By offering to do the bulk of the work, the incentive to help the environment becomes more realistic and less daunting for those who otherwise would like to recycle, but haven't the time, space, or knowledge to do so. Many Texas cities offer city-wide recycling pickup, but pickups may only occur every other week. Therefore, offering more frequent pickups could encourage friends and family to give their recyclables to you instead.

4. 

   The last step in the recycling process is taking items to their destination.

   Drop off collected recycling. In order to receive cash, the materials and items must reach the proper destination. Make sure to call ahead for drop-off times, as differing Texas recycling centers exchange cash only on certain days or during certain hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule routine drop-offs. By designating particular days to deliver recyclables, it is more likely that you will adhere to your recycling goals. The establishment of good habits demands a routine. Also, Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services recommends fully washing and rinsing containers. Recycling centers will greatly appreciate the additional courtesy. Texas offers no required incentive for bottle recycling, but cans can be exchanged for cash at scrap metal centers, and many private centers offer money for bottles.

• Beware of scrap materials, for many can be dangerous if improperly handled. For example, glass and aerosal cans are recyclable items, according to Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, so take care to properly empty aerosals, and watch sharp corners on glass. If consigning a potentially dangerous or broken product, alert the purchaser to the hazards possible when handling or using the item. Call recycling centers to confirm drop-off times and quotes, since many Texas centers will not exchange money for recyclable goods.

References

• Burrtec Waste and Recycling Center
• T's Metals

Resources

• Ecology Action of Texas: Recycling Resources