Recycling computers for cash can be a truly great way to clear out some space while at the same time making some extra cash. And with a little creativity and commitment, you can turn a simple PC recycling idea into a thriving small business.
For those interested in learning about recycling computers for money, in this step by step guide, I will explain how you can make some extra money by not only recycling your own computer, but also by recycling other people’s computers.
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Before we go any further, please do remember that making money by recycling computers will not get you rich, and in most cases, it won’t even be enough for you to make a living off of. Non the less, as I mentioned in my post about tire recycling business, if you commit yourself to it, you can make a bit extra money. With that said, let’s see how you can make money recycling computers.
Recycling computers is a great way to clear out some space and make some extra cash!
1- Find The Nearest Computer Recycling Facility
Find out where the nearest computer and electronic recycling facility near you is. You can also contact your local electronic stores like BestBuy or even office supply stores like OfficeDepot, as many electronic stores also do pay cash for recycled computers and other electronics. Most of these recycling facilities do pay cash.
Call a few places and compare their rates (how much they pay for used computers and other electronics) and maybe even negotiate a better price letting them know that you will be delivering more than 1 or 2 computers. Make sure to note the one that pays the most.
2- Put An Ad On Craigslist
Simply place an ad on CL and let people know that you will pick up their old used computers (and maybe even any other kind of old electronics) for free. Since in many places you can not simply throw away your computer in trash (because of the environmental laws), most people would be more than happy to let you pick up their used computers, so that they don’t have to transport the computer to a recycling facility themselves.
3- Pick Up & Store Old Computers
Pick up and store as many computers and other electronics as you can in your garage or wherever you can. Instead of taking the computers you pick up to the recycling facility one by one, and wasting time and money, try to store as many computers as you can, so when you do go to the recycling facility, the money you make will be worth the time and gas you spend transporting the old computers. You will probably need a Pickup truck or a big roomy car for that depending on how many used computers you gather.
4- Get Paid
When you feel like you have enough stuff that is worth your time and the gas money you are going to spend to transport them to the recycling facility, load them up in your car or truck and take them to the nearest recycling facility or electronic stores that pays the most for such items. Give them the computers and get your cash.
5- Rinse & Repeat
Yes, this guide is titled how to make money recycling computers, but you don’t have to stop at computers. You can expand your business and recycle other electronics such as gaming consoles, digital cameras, cell phones, smart phones, TVs and other electronics. You can take that even one step further and recycle other goods such as used tiers, cans.
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Tips For Making More Money With Your Computer Recycling Business
- If you know a bit about how computers work, you may be able to make even more money if you can get them to actually work. I am sure you will come across many computers that may be fairly new and might have been replaced because they had crashed, had gotten infected with a virus or perhaps had gotten slow. Sometimes people get rid of an old computer simply because they bought a new computer, even though there is nothing wrong with the old computer.
- In many cases, you can fix the problem by simply defragmenting the hard drive, running a virus scanner and getting rid of the virus or what have you. So, if you can, get the computers to work, for you will be able to sell them on Craigslist or even eBay for $200- $300 each, which is far more than what you would get if you had recycled them.
- Another thing you want to remember is that sometimes you can actually sell working parts of these computers for very good prices on eBay and Craigslist. As an example, memory cards can go for around $20-$30.
- Also, it is a good idea to ensure that the recycling facility you take the computers to, do securely wipe computer’s hard drive via a Department of Defense approved method, especially if it’s a computer that has data you do not want others to have access to it.
This is a fairly simple and straightforward procedure. The more time and effort you put into it, the more money you can make. Best of all, you help the environment while you make money recycling computers.