Best Side Hustles for Recycling Business

With increasing awareness of sustainability, starting a recycling-focused side hustle can help reduce waste while earning a steady income. Below are some of the best side hustles in the recycling business, including their income potential and resources to help you get started.

E-Waste Recycling

E-waste recycling involves collecting, dismantling, and safely disposing of electronic devices like phones, laptops, and printers. Many municipalities and businesses require proper disposal of e-waste due to environmental regulations.

Income Potential:

$2,000 to $5,000 per month, depending on the volume and partnerships.

How to Get Started:

• Partner with local businesses for e-waste collection.
• Check out Recycle My Electronics for compliance and drop-off locations.
• Invest in basic tools for dismantling electronics.

Scrap Metal Collection and Reselling

Scrap metal collection involves gathering and selling metals like aluminum, copper, and steel from old appliances, vehicles, and construction waste.

Income Potential:

$3,000 to $8,000 per month, depending on the type and quantity of metals.

How to Get Started:

• Learn about metal grading and pricing through resources like Canadian Association of Recycling Industries.
• Establish connections with scrapyards.
• Advertise collection services on local platforms like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace.

Textile Recycling

Textile recycling involves collecting old clothing and fabrics to resell, donate, or recycle into new products. This can include creating upcycled fashion items or supplying industrial cleaning rags.

Income Potential:

$1,000 to $3,000 per month, depending on the market demand.

How to Get Started:

• Partner with thrift stores and donation centers.
• Learn more about textile recycling at SMART.
• Set up collection bins in your community.

Plastic Recycling

Plastic recycling includes collecting, sorting, and selling plastic waste to recycling facilities or repurposing it into products like furniture or building materials.

Income Potential:

$2,500 to $6,000 per month, depending on the scale of operations.

How to Get Started:

• Join initiatives like Plastic Bank.
• Invest in sorting and shredding equipment.
• Partner with local businesses to collect plastic waste.

Organic Waste Composting

Organic waste composting involves turning food scraps and yard waste into compost, which can be sold to gardeners, landscapers, and farms.

Income Potential:

$1,500 to $4,000 per month, depending on the volume and quality of compost.

How to Get Started:

• Learn composting techniques from Compost Council of Canada.
• Partner with restaurants and households for organic waste collection.
• Sell compost locally or through online platforms.

Bottle and Can Recycling

Bottle and can recycling involves collecting refundable beverage containers and returning them to depots for cash refunds.

Income Potential:

$500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the volume collected.

How to Get Started:

• Use resources like Recycle BC for drop-off locations.
• Organize community clean-up drives to collect containers.
• Advertise your services in neighborhoods.

Pallet Recycling

Pallet recycling involves repairing and reselling wooden pallets used in shipping and logistics. Many businesses are willing to pay for recycled pallets.

Income Potential:

$2,000 to $4,000 per month, depending on demand and volume.

How to Get Started:

• Reach out to local warehouses and shipping companies.
• Learn repair techniques through online tutorials.
• Find buyers using platforms like Kijiji and Craigslist.

Glass Recycling

Glass recycling includes collecting, sorting, and selling glass bottles and jars to recycling plants. Recycled glass is used for new bottles, construction materials, and decorative items.

Income Potential:

$1,000 to $3,500 per month, depending on the scale and partnerships.

How to Get Started:

• Use resources from Cleanfarms.
• Set up drop-off points in your community.
• Partner with local recycling centers.

Recycling businesses not only help the environment but also provide lucrative side hustle opportunities. Choose an area that aligns with your interests, start small, and scale as you gain experience. Ready to make an impact and earn? Start your recycling side hustle today!