The Real Advantages You Didn’t Know About Recycling – Including Earning Extra Money
Of course, we’ve heard of recycling and what it can do to preserve our environment. We also know that it has some economic advantages, too. There’s no denying that recycling is an essential practice that has been around for decades. What makes recycling great is that it is both simple and effective. We can use it as a significant way to reduce waste, conserve our natural resources, and further protect the environment. But while many people may already be aware of its environmental benefits, there are still some advantages you may not know about. So what are the real advantages you didn’t know about recycling – and how can you earn money from it? Read on to find out.
- The environmental benefits
We already have a good idea of what recycling can do for the environment. Recycling has more than a few well-known environmental benefits, including conserving natural resources, reducing landfill waste, and reducing pollution. When we recycle, we can decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can cause environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater pollution. Recycling also reduces the need for raw material extraction, further conserving our natural resources such as oil, trees, and minerals.
- The economic benefits
Aside from the environmental benefits, recycling has several economic benefits that are often overlooked. One of these is the creation of jobs in the recycling sector. The recycling sector employs millions of people worldwide, from those involved in collecting and sorting waste to those involved in processing and manufacturing recyclable waste. In truth, recycling creates jobs at all levels of the supply chain, from low-skill to high-skill positions.
Another economic benefit is the reduction in waste disposal expenses for businesses and local governments. Since we can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills through recycling, this can lower the expenses associated with waste disposal. Additionally, recycling can generate revenue through the sale of recycled materials – a fact confirmed by recycling companies such as Langley Recycling. Furthermore, recycling even benefits individuals economically, as they can sell their recyclable materials (such as scrap metal) to recycling centers!
- You can earn extra money
As mentioned, one of the most exciting advantages of recycling is the opportunity to earn. Many people are unaware that they can make money by recycling, either through selling recyclables or participating in recycling programs.
Many materials are worth money when recycled, and the list includes glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic containers. You can sell these materials to scrapyards or recycling centers, which will pay you for your recyclables. The price of these recyclables can fluctuate based on supply and demand, so it’s essential to check the current price before you sell.
Many states and municipalities also offer recycling programs that pay individuals for recycling certain materials. Some states, for example, offer a deposit refund for aluminum cans, etc. And it’s easy to redeem these items for cash at your local designated recycling center. Even electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, and tablets contain valuable materials. Companies offer gift cards or cash in exchange for these items, even if they no longer work. You can also take part in buy-back programs offered by retailers or sell your gadgets to online marketplaces, where your Apple computer from the 80s can actually be sold to collectors for a good price!