Why Recycling is Profitable
Recycling aluminum cans is the most profitable venture, with over $800 million worth being recycled annually. You can earn 70 to 80 cents a pound for aluminum, and in some states, up to 10 cents per can.
Commonly Recycled Materials
Common recyclable materials include plastic, paper, aluminum, scrap metal, glass, and batteries. Recycling aluminum cans and empty toner cartridges can also be lucrative.
Profitable Recycling Ventures
Some of the profitable recycling business opportunities include aluminum, paper waste, e-waste, and plastic. E-waste recycling, in particular, can extract valuable metals like gold and silver from electronics.
Starting a Profitable Recycling Business
Starting a recycling business can be lucrative, with potential profits from materials like cardboard, paper, aluminum, and rigid plastics outweighing processing costs. Initial costs may require $20,000 to $30,000 for a smoothly-operating facility.
Most Profitable Items to Recycle
Popular recyclables like plastic, waste, and metal scraps continue to be profitable. Almost all non-biodegradable items are potentially profitable in recycling, with plastic, waste, and metal scraps being the most lucrative options.