Raise Money and Compete for Prizes
Aluminum, Paper & Cardboard
Money can still be made from recycling aluminum cans, paper, and usually but-not-always, cardboard. Prices do fluctuate in response to changing market conditions.
- Sort and separate recyclables according to grade – this increases the value of the recyclables and should result in a higher price for your collected commodities.
- Be aware that choosing a single-stream or co-mingled program which does not require sorting, will also generate less revenue.
- If producing consistently “clean” (i.e., no unwanted materials included) recyclables, work with your local recycler to obtain premium prices for the material you provide.
When contracting for services, tie the prices paid to current, published prices. For instance, include contract language that guarantees a return of 80 percent of current prices as listed on the Yellow Board, American Metals Market, and similar commodity markets. You may ask for copies of the publication showing regional and national prices referenced for that particular sale.
TerraCycle
TerraCycle offers national programs ("Brigades") to collect previously non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle waste. Most programs offer a donation for each item collected for recycling, in addition to free shipping.
- Many programs to choose from;
- Website has pictures of the products manufactured from the recyclables;
- No fee (in most cases);
- Free shipping;
- Can recruit business partners and citizens to have collection boxes and designate your school to receive the proceeds;
- Brigades available: drink pouches, plastic bags, Kraft Cheeses, Neosporin Tubes, Aveeno Beauty containers, candy cookie wrappers, cereal bags,and much more. All pay about 2 cents per item.
Returning Electronics for Cash
The following program offers the following features:
- 13 yrs and older can register to sell products;
- Must be able to answer questions about item’s condition;
- Searches Internet to find best prices (similar to travel sites);
- Allows comparison of offers;
- Does NOT accept non-working items for recycling; but will find recycling locations near you;
- Items entered one at a time; and
- ‘Our Impact’ button leads to information about best-selling items and brands.
Here's another electronics program with the following provisions:
- Must be able to answer questions about item’s condition;
- For fundraising, will provide free collection box and shipping label: http://www.buymytronics.com/fundraising.aspx
- Working and non-working items accepted;
- Items with value will generate revenue back to you; and,
- A program is available to accept bulk volumes of electronics.
Printer Cartridges
Some printer cartridge recyclers will also collect cell phones, but you may get more in return from a business specializing in cell phone refurbishment.
Staples
Collect spent printer cartridges and take them to Staples for a $3 reward. Just sign up for a Staples reward account and check with your local stor to verify the acceptable cartriges and get details. (The Staples website quotes a $2 reward, but the a Montana store confirmed a $3 reward.)Staples recently changed their program to allow one account holder to drop off no more than 10 cartridges per month.
Recycle printer cartridges and accumulate points to acquire equipment and supplies, although you can choose to receive a check instead. FundingFactory also accepts cell phones, but better prices may be realized through a business specializing in cell phone refurbishment. FundingFactory offers FREE shipping materials, promotional and business support supplies, live customer service representatives and your own online account. FundingFactory also holds contests for additional bonuses and prizes.
- No signup fees;
- Free container;
- Free tools and marketing material;
- Cash returned, not a points program;
- Prices are published on their website to see what you will be paid;
- Must include pricing list with shipment; and,
- $15 penalty for any laser cartridges received.
