According to a report done by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) in 2010, out of 250 million tons of trash Americans had produced, paper and paperboard accounted for 29 percent of it, making it the number one waste material in our landfills.
Thankfully, we are doing better.
More of us are learning to recycle, and that’s great news for both the environment and our wallets.
But there are still tons of paper in our landfills that can be recycled. And since there is an abundance of used paper available, its recycling makes a viable business opportunity. That is why there are many centers for recycling paper.
But you don’t have to spend millions of dollars building a recycling center to take advantage of this opportunity. You can recycle waste paper that gets generated in your household, and by recycling large volumes of paper, you can make a considerable amount of money. All you need to do is collect large quantities of waste paper, carry them to a recycling center, and get paid.
Interested in getting started?
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Here is what you need to know…
Table of Contents
Can You Make Money from Recycling Paper?
Yes and no!
Let me explain…
Recycled paper sells for anything from 50 to 75 dollars per ton, depending on the type of paper. So, for an average household, I don’t think it will be worth it to recycle paper for money, but of course, you can still do it for the sake of the environment.
In other words, you have to do this on a grand scale to make real money, unlike recycling wood pallets for money, where you can get $1-$4 per pallet, which makes it profitable to recycle them for almost anyone.
I know there are a lot of blog posts and eBooks that tell you that you can make a lot of money with recycling paper, but for most of us, it’s just not possible. I mean, gathering one ton of paper takes a lot of time and space. So, the only way to really make this a viable source of income is to do it on a large scale. And to do that, you need all the help you can get.
Here are a few steps you can take to make this a profitable business.
1. Find Recycling Centers
First, you have to locate a recycling center and find out the price they pay for different types of paper waste.
There are a few different ways to find a local paper recycling center. The two that I use are:
- Phone Books: You may refer to your phone book to know the places with recycling arrangements closer to your location.
- Earth911.com: You’ll learn how paper is recycled and the location of recycling centers. You’ll also be informed about how it helps protect the environment and prevent pollution.
2. Collect
Collecting paper in any form, from newspapers to boxes, not only rewards you financially but also helps you contribute to saving the environment.
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You may even collect old, used paper from your neighbors. Why not send them flyers suggesting they dump their used paper in a conveniently located bin?
You may even consider calling upon them on pre-appointed dates and times to collect all the paper they may have gathered. In fact, they’ll be happy to get rid of it. This will be particularly helpful for localities that lack recycling facilities.
It would be a smart idea to check with local businesses to see if you can pick up their waste paper every week.
You can expect to gather large volumes of cardboard boxes from local grocery and retail stores. Just talk to them, and they may give you additional options for collecting such items.
You can continue collecting paper in all forms, from newspapers and scrap paper to phone books and cardboard boxes, before taking it to the nearest recycling center to collect your cash.
Also, don’t forget about shredded paper. Many local businesses and offices will have tons of shredded paper that they will happily give to anyone willing to pick it up for free. However, you should talk to the people at recycling centers near you to make sure they accept shredded paper, as recycling shredded paper is a bit different, and many places may not want to deal with it.
3. Sort Out
After collecting a large quantity of paper, it’s time to sort out your collection by the type of paper.
You’ll need a large space, like a basement or garage, to store your sorted paper.
Naturally, you’ll want to focus on varieties of paper that fetch you the highest price.
4. Get Paid
There is no shortage of recycling centers for paper recycling and making some money along the way. After delivering your consignment of paper to your chosen recycling center, you will be paid cash.
Again, you can expect anywhere from $50 to $75 per ton.
Other Things You Can Recycle for Cash
Paper isn’t the only thing you can recycle for cash. Most of what we consider “garbage” in our daily lives can indeed be turned into cash. Recycling centers near you pay for many of these items.
Here are a few resources to get you started with recycling various materials:
- Ink Cartridges: 10 Ways to Recycle Ink Cartridges for Cash
- Plastic: How to Make Money Recycling Plastic
- Cans: Recycle Aluminum Cans for Cash
- Tires: How to Recycle Used Tires for Cash
- Glass Bottles: Recycle Glass for Cash
- Scrap Metal: Recycling Scrap Metal for Money
- Computers: 5 Ways to Recycle Computers for Money
- Car Batteries: Recycle Old Car Batteries for Cash
- Refrigerators: Recycle Refrigerators for Cash
The Bottom Line
Of course, paper is recyclable, but do not overlook the fact that it is a very light material.
And unlike aluminum, which is also a light material but can fetch decent money, you’ll need tons of paper to get a decent return.
Great article. I recently started a recyclables collection service. Dirty work, but it pays if you go 100%.
Thanks Aaron.
Yes, I would imagine it’d be a little dirty, but as you mentioned, it pays off if you are committed.
Good luck with your new recyclables collection service business.
Selling cardboard can earn you easily $100,000 a year, however it is hard work and requires considerable amount of lifting. It pays in bulk – meaning you need several truckloads before “cashing -out.” Great information is provided, but make sure you have the equipment to lift, bundle, and carry it to a recycler.
Thanks for the additional tips.
I have tons of paper all same kind and cardboard. what recycler can I take it too?? Same as Scrap Metal?
Great article.!
Exactly what I looking for.
Aaron, how did you get started with your recyclables collection service. I see a lot of metal collection folks before garbage day. But none for cardboard and paper. Appreciate if you can share some information and send it to (removed by editor)
I removed your email address. Spammers scour the web with their bots picking up email addresses shared openly and then they bombard you with spam.
hi can anyone help me out me out i would really appriciate it.
i have been put in charge for a toliet paper factory waste.
we get around 4 tons of waste per 3 days.
the factory is based in bradford west yorkshire, i was wondering if i can get this recycled paper paid for as its being taken for free.
Nikky, check out djbrecycling.co.uk. They operate in South Yorkshire and they say on their website that they do pay for paper. With that amount of paper you have everyday, I am sure they will want to do business with you.
Anyone have an idea how to treat old(deteriorated) money paper?
Not sure what you mean by “treat”?
Àaron please how did you start your recycling business. And can anyone please tell me where to find paper recycling company in Maryland. Please kindly email me the details at (Email removed by Editor). Thank you
Boyle, I removed your email address. Scammers scour the web and find emails displayed openly and scam you with 1000’s of emails.
I did a quick search on Google for “paper recycling companies in Maryland” and found a few (The Shred Mill, LLC and Modern Junk & Salvage Co to name a few). Do a search on Google and you will see their contact info and address.
I would like to start recycling magazines. I know a few businesses that let you take there old magazines. Is there money to be made this way?
Yes, you can make money recycling magazines, but of course, you need volume to make it worthwhile.
Thanks For That Self-employment Insight And I Hope To Start Mine Also In My Country.
Where can I find such recycle centers?? I’m in Miami Florida
If you search on Google I think you’ll find centers near you.
Hi…ur article is really good..But can u help me? I searched and searched on Google but m not able to find a center nearby my location in Pleasanton. All I could find was a center to recycle cans and plastic bottles but for paper I did not find any. Could u please let me know where I can drop off the paper materials to recycle? And get paid for it ?
Which State or country do you live in, Archana?
The link doesn’t show a result near me. I live in Australia. What should I do for that?
Is there any other links that I can have a look at?
Sorry about that, Vanessa.
Unfortaunly, most of these companies only operate in the U.S. That said, you can easily find recycling centers near you by doing a quick Google search. Just search for “recycling centers near me” or “recycling centers in Australia”, etc.
For other readers, wherever you live, just replace “Australia” with your own country/city. Like “recycling centers in UK” or “recycling centers in Canada”.
Hope this helps.