How To Make Money With E-Waste

The world recycled only 17.4% of the more than 53 million tons of e-waste discarded in 2019. In the US, the recycling rate was at 15%, practically throwing away billions of dollars in materials that could be reused again. Increasing recycling rates makes the environment a better place and reduces the pressures on finite resources. Moreover, reusing parts of tech gadgets and devices can also make you money. If you know what to look for and do your due diligence by learning what is allowed and what is not, you can earn a good chunk of cash from selling e-waste that could be used as materials in high-value goods.

The most logical way to get rid of e-waste is to donate or recycle it. Parts of these products use metals, glass and plastics that require energy to mine and produce. By donating or recycling them, you help conserve natural resources and reduce air, water pollution, and greenhouse emissions. One way to dispose of your electronics is to check the options offered by manufacturers and retailers. To date, there are 25 US states and the District of Columbia with e-waste laws requiring manufacturers to register, pay an annual fee, and create a recycling program. Some take back used gadgets and devices such as printers, computers and mobile devices, while others offer to recycle supplies, including ink and cartridges.

However, if you are interested in making money from your e-waste, you can also sell it as scrap metal. Before doing this, check your state’s rules and regulations to ensure that you are complying with existing laws: there may be differences between Texas and California, for example. Laws were enacted in 50 states to prevent metal theft. To illustrate, it is forbidden to sell restricted property such as catalytic converters, utility access covers, and ventilation fans, to name a few. Keep in mind that you must also be able to sort your junk before going to the scrapyard. For example, iron, copper pans, aluminum cans, old cars and car batteries are pretty straightforward. However, if you are getting rid of your fridge, it can fetch you a higher sale price if you remove the compressor and other valuable metals to sell as separate scraps.

Scrapyards exist throughout the nation, making it easy to sell your ferrous or non-ferrous metals. Before heading to the junkyard, ensure that you know what you’re selling, and research the going price. Copper is the most expensive metal, and can go as high as $2.90 a pound, while aluminum cans are $0.65 cents a pound.

You must also carry a valid ID, a valid license plate on the vehicle that you’re going to use to transport your haul, and proof of ownership. If you do not have the documents attesting that you own the scrap you’re selling handy, you might be asked to sign a document proving that you are the owner. Special items like evaporating coils and insulated communication wires might need specific requirements such as a contractor license, registration, bill of sale, or proof that the item was salvaged in a fire.

Selling scraps from electronic and light goods is a smart way of earning extra cash. It also ensures that valuable materials from e-waste are reused and do not end up in landfills.