How to Set Up Recycling Fundraisers

When technology becomes obsolete, some components can be recycled.

As more waste collection services added aluminum and plastic to their regular pick-up, new forms of recycling fundraisers emerged. Technology waste like printer cartridges and cell phones became more popular and profitable options. Rather than being measured by weight, technology-recycling programs assign a specific dollar amount per unit recycled, thus making each donor's contribution more tangible.

Instructions

How to Set up Recycling Fundraisers

1. Contact several recycling fundraiser companies and inquire about the types of items they accept, the timeline for payouts, the upfront cost, and types of shipping and marketing assistance provided. Some offer their services at no cost your organization and most provide all necessary shipping materials. Look for companies that also offer marketing assistance; they may even help you promote your fundraiser online.

2. Recruit volunteers to help you with various tasks in the fundraiser. Ask them to solicit donations from friends, family, coworkers or classmates. Suggest they utilize social networking to reach a wider audience, but also include more traditional methods like posting fliers in churches or community centers.

3. Ask area businesses to help, either through donating their own used materials or by allowing your group to place donation bins in a prominent location on their premises. The company you are working with for your fundraiser may provide bins, or you can ask volunteers to help by decorating cardboard boxes or plastic storage containers.

4. Publicize your fundraiser through traditional media outlets. Ask your local newspaper to include the information with community announcements, a free service provided by many publications. Local radio stations may be willing to mention your fundraiser on-air, and you can even consider contacting TV outlets. Morning and afternoon shows produced locally can often be convinced to give a mention, or even a few minutes of airtime, for a good cause.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine a cause or charity that will be supported by your fundraiser. Utilize this to attract maximum participation from your local community. People are more willing to participate in fundraisers if they know that their contributions are going towards a charitable cause.

References

• Fundraising Ideas Center: Recycling Fundraising Programs
• Easy Fundraising Ideas: Recycling Fundraiser Ideas