Top 5 Trash Items You Can Sell for Extra Cash: Discover Hidden Value in Your Waste
Five Examples of Trash That You Can Sell for Decent Money
Source: Lifehacker Australia
Unlocking Hidden Value in Everyday Waste
Many people seek additional income by various means, including side jobs or requesting raises, but there's another path: selling items commonly discarded. Here are five surprisingly profitable items that can be collected and sold for decent money.
1. Golf Balls
- Value: Can sell for up to $2 each.
- Opportunity: Over 1.5 billion golf balls are lost in the U.S. annually, providing a potential income stream for those willing to pick them up, especially from water hazards.
- Income Potential: Divers can earn between $200 to $800 per day retrieving them.
2. Wood Pallets
- Value: Can be sold for 50 cents to $4 each.
- Harvesting Locations: Often found at stores or businesses, which can be collected legally if arranged.
- Brokerage Assistance: Companies like Kamps Pallets may buy large quantities.
3. Cardboard Boxes
- Value: Worth up to $1.25 each.
- Marketplaces: Sell through platforms like BoxCycle, U-Haul Box Exchange, or eBay.
- Recycling Options: Check local recycling facilities or community groups for demand.
4. Wine Corks
- Value: Approximately 10 cents each.
- Market Potential: Online platforms like Etsy or eBay offer opportunities to sell.
- Collecting Strategy: Source used corks from restaurants that discard them.
5. Egg Cartons
- Value: Typically sell for 30-40 cents each.
- Usage: Collected by crafts enthusiasts and small farms for their own egg sales.
- Income Estimate: Collecting used cartons regularly can yield $60-70 annually based on average egg consumption.
By identifying and collecting these undervalued items, you can transform everyday waste into a profitable side hustle.
