What Does a Teenage Recycler Do?

As a recycler, not only could you make a solid chunk of money, but you are helping the environment as well. Statistically, 75% of American waste can be recycled, but only 30% of it actually is recycled.

Recycling conserves natural resources and helps put money in your pocket. Typically, as a recycler, you can recycle metal, plastic and even glass. You could collect bottles and cans around your house, pick up bottles or cans that are laying on the beach or around lakes, help clean up neighbors yards and keep the recyclables, or even go to public parks and collect bottles or cans that may be laying around.

The great thing about becoming a recycler is the fact that you can collect your metal, plastic or glass from virtually anywhere, so your options are not limited! As a recycler, your job will consist of things like collecting the recyclables, delivering the recyclables to a recycling facility or a junkyard, and organizing the recyclables into bins according to their makeup.

For example, plastic will go into one bin, glass will go into one bin, etc.

How Much Does a Teenage Recycler Get Paid?

This is a tricky question. Recycling pay all depends on how much you collect, what materials you do collect and what state you live in. Each state and each county pays a fixed price on whatever material you are bringing in per pound.

If you live in a state like California or Hawaii, they pay 5 cents per soda bottle, so you could configure your pay based on how many you have. On materials like other plastics, glass or metal, you would have to check with your local recycling company and ask how much they pay for that certain material.

Based off what you recycle and how much you collect, you could make 5 dollars a week or even up to 100 dollars a week. As we mentioned above, it all depends on what you are recycling and the quantity. Your best bet is to call around and ask what different places pay.

How Can I Get Started as a Teenage Recycler?

1. Before setting out on your journey as a recycler, make sure you have your parents permission. Recycling can include a lot of time in the sun and possibly trips to unfamiliar places, so be sure to ask your parents if it is okay with them.
2. Next, you will need some basic materials to begin your journey. All materials we will list below are available on Amazon. First you will need some collecting bins. Bins will help you to easily organize your recyclables and make it easier on you to carry them to recycling companies or junk yards. After you purchase your recycling bins, you will want to purchase a set of nice gloves. Gloves will prove efficient when you are picking up your recyclables, especially if you are picking them up outside. The gloves will help you keep germs away that are floating around on the materials outside and will help prevent cuts if you pick up a metal can or glass bottle that has been broken. This is a cheap safety precaution you will want to take.
3. After you have purchased your materials to start with, we would advise researching your local recycling companies. Earth911 is a great website that allows you to search your town or county for local recycling companies if you are unsure where to find one. This way, after you collect all your recyclables, you can figure out if you need your parents to drive you to this place or if it’s simply within walking distance from your home or work. It is also a great idea, if you have multiple in your city, to call them and get some prices and write them down. That way you know you’re getting the most money possible from all your hard work and collecting.
4. At this point, you are all ready to go! Be sure, once again, your parents know where you are and that they permit you to do this. Only go collecting in areas you know are safe or if you are searching around the neighborhood, be sure your neighbors are okay with you being in their yard or on their land. Other than that, congratulations on your new-found source of cash!

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Helpful Resources

• Earth911.com:  This is a great website that helps you find all of the recycling companies in your area.
• Amazon.com:  If you’re looking to get the materials to become a teen recycler, we’ve included a few below.

• Collection Bins
• Gloves