Recycling to Earn Cash

My main interest started a few months ago when my gal pal, Lisa, said she was recycling cans. Lisa is tryin' to live green – you go, girl. But, while I wasn't intentionally thinking about the environment, I thought, “That would be fun to do with the kids and actually take them to a recycling place to get paid for all those cans of soda we get FREE at CVS.” And, of course, teach them about recycling too…of course :-)

After sharing this great idea with hubby, he was able to bring home a big round barrell that was scrap at work. There is even a lid on the top that has a hole the exact size for the cans (it just worked that way – sweet!). It has a nice, organized, clean look while it is holding all of our cans in the garage. So, on Saturday, we had our first trip to take our cans in and see what we got. They are loaded up in the “mom” van (above).

We got a whopping $15.48! Yeap, they paid $.60 per pound and we had around 26 pounds. So, we got a few extra bucks to give to the kiddos to spend! So, recycling in general is great – but recycling for cash definitely Works for Me!

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11 Comments

  1. Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst says:

    Wow, that is fantastic! $15 goes a looooong way at CVS. I bet your kiddos enjoyed the project. What a great way to encourage recycling.

    Thanks so much for the mention!

    Blessings,

    Alyssa

  2. Where exactly did you take them to turn them in for $$? My kids have been saving cans for several months, but I’m not sure where to take them. Thanks for the tip!

  3. ::sniff::

    We have neither the Recycle Bank NOR CVS in my town! I’m so pleased that you’ve been able to reap the rewards of both!

  4. I once saved cans and recycled at one of those places where you “donate” them near Wal-Mart–a can smasher. I had what I thought was a ton and ended up making $.65. Not worth the gas! I need to find a real recycle place!!

  5. We have recycled cans for a long time. We use the $ to go buy a new board game, movie, or a treat at McD’s.

  6. Miss Mommy says:

    Great Job on the recycling!! My Little Man would of been excited too for $15!!

    We just got recycle bank in our town about a month ago….and I love it!! We have alreday earned a $5 off coupon at ShopRite and a $4 CVS coupon is on it’s way as well. The program has also made me a little bit more concious of what I am recycling as well….Hey, the more points I get…the more coupons I earn!!!

  7. Marianne Thomas says:

    De-lurking! :)

    Hey, where did you recycle those cans? We don’t drink tons of pop, but it would still be a good thing to do with my kids. And, I’m thinking it might be a fun fund-raiser for our school.

    Thanks!

  8. Holly – I took them to a recycling/salvage yard. I didn’t search for one because it was right near hubby’s work and he saw the sign stating how much they paid for aluminum. But, I just entered a search in google for recycling centers/aluminum salvage and it came up with several. I would just call and see how much they’re paying for your cans. It was super easy!

  9. Anonymous says:

    Hey! You know that Patrick saves cans and thats how he has his Alabaster offering. Everything he saves he puts in his box. Patty started a good thing with him. Maybe I need to stop putting them at the road. Thanks for the update!

  10. Carrie @ Moneysavingmethods.com says:

    We have been saving our cans, too…so funny.

    But, didn’t know where to take them for $$. Thanks for the link. We will be heading that way, soon!

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