While the most well-known way to make money through recycling is by recycling cans and electronics, were you aware that you could do the same thing recycling glass? This process is quite simple and inexpensive, requiring nothing more than some free time and a few large recycling bins.
How to Do it
1. Can you get money for recycled glass?
The first thing to do is double check that your state is one of those that will actually pay for recycled glass. If it is, take a look at the guidelines for what type of glass is accepted and what types of glass to avoid by checking out the page at BottleBill.org.
2. Get in touch with local recycling center
Next you’ll want to get in touch with your local recycling center to find out at what times you can drop of glass and how much you can expect to be paid for it. You can find information on recycling centers at RecyclingCenters.org.
3. Make arrangements
Now that you know it’s possible and worthwhile think of some locations that would produce large quantities of glass waste like restaurants and bars. Check with these places to find out if they’d approve the implementation of a glass recycling program.
4. Place large containers
Once you have your approval you’ll want to place large containers at these locations for the used glassware. Be sure to line the container with a large durable garbage bag for easy collection and include a sign indicating that the container is for glass only.
5. Collect
Hit up each location one to two times a week to collect the glass making sure to use an appropriately large vehicle if available.
6. Sort them out
Sort out the broken or not clear glass from the rest making sure to also remove mirrors, windows, glassware, and light bulbs.
7. Clean up
Rinse the glass worth turning in and make sure to dry each piece well
8. Get your cash
Take the glass to the deposit office of your local recycling center and turn in your glass for cash. Though it may not be a lot, you can take comfort in the fact that you’ve helped prevent pollution.
Alternative methods for turning your glass into cash
There are other ways to cash in as well. Here are 2 more examples:
Liquor Rebates
Before purchasing the liquor check out the brand’s website to see what kind of rebates they offer if any. Assuming you find one worth getting, you can usually grab a rebate form from the liquor store and submit it being sure to include what they ask for in exchange for the rebate (receipt, box, label, etc.)
This is a great way to earn a little extra money as you can get the rebate and the money for recycling the glass as well.
Wine Rebates
Like liquor, many wine producers will offer a rebate on some of their better quality products. To get the rebate you’ll go through the same process you did with the liquor being sure to include the appropriate information with your rebate form (label, receipt, barcode, etc.).
Once you’ve submitted your rebate you can then recycle the bottle as usual which not only gets you some extra money, but helps the environment as well. Be certain you sort your glass into the appropriate color categories however as wine bottles tend not to be clear.
Note:
Obviously, the money you can get from recycling, whether glass, plastic, paper or whatever, isn’t going to help you quit your day job, but recycling is a responsible way of doing your part to help keep our planet and your pocket green.
