How to Make Extra Money Recycling Electronics

When I started Writing this hub and was researching for it, I discovered there is a deeper crisis in electronic waste. I felt I needed to explore more about the global e-waste crisis and what is being done about it before I write about recycling electronics while making money. So I ended up writing the article 'Electronics Recycling for a Cleaner and Safer Environment. In that hub you will find many of the urgent reasons why we must dispose of our unwanted electronics properly.

For instance if you send an outdated computer or television to a recycling company this company will harvest parts it can sell, but what does it do with the parts that can't be sold. Does it dispose of these parts that are usually toxic or are not biodegradable safely in house? If it sends these parts to another recycler does it make sure the other company disposes of these materials properly?

Even when we donate our electronics to a charitable or a non-profit organization, we shouldn't assume that they will recycle it properly. We need to ask questions and if they are not making sure that our environment is not endangered by unsafe disposal of toxic waste, then we need to hold their feet to the fire and ask them to do the right thing. Either that or just don't donate electronics to them.

Companies That Will Dispose off Your Electronics Safely and Pay You Cash for It

Here are some pretty terrific companies I have found:

Cellforcash.com: This company's main goal is to make sure unwanted cell phones are recycled in a sustainable manner and also that consumer and businesses get back some of the high price they paid for their cell phones.

Sending in your old cell phone and getting paid for it is very simple.You go on their web site and choose the brand name of your cell from the scroll down menu. It brings up the different models of that brand. You scroll down to find your model. On each model is written the amount the company is going to pay for it or if they are not going to pay for it, it would say recycle. So you will click on that and it will take you to a page where you can enter your information. Then all you have to do is wait for them to send you the shipping box and when you get it ship your cell to them. And yes shipping is free. After checking out the phone you sent they either will mail you a check or if you have pay pal they will deposite the money there.

EcoNew: This company has been in this business for 20 years and they know what they are doing, They operate under high standards of environmental sustainability and exceed any standard set by local and state government, and that of the EPA. They have 0 tolerance for any part of electronics ending up in landfills. To sell your electronics to them is also very simple and efficient. Shipping is free even though you have to get the packing material yourself, Instead of cash or check you get an Econew visa prepaid card that you can use in businesses that accepts them.

-Gazelle.com: This is a company that will pay you money for your unwanted electronics if it is in good enough condition. Some of the items they will take are cell phones, laptops, digital cameras, camcorders, and black berries. They will send you the box with prepaid stickers so you don't pay shipping either. And if they can't resell your item, they still will take it and recycle it responsibly. Shipping is still free. They adhere to strict environmental guidelines as outlined by the EPA as well as that of BAN E-Steward, the environmental watch dog group that has outlined the most stringent guidelines for disposing of hazardous e-waste.

They also have promotional programs that you can join to make more money such as the 'Tell your freinds' program. You refer friends to the website and if some of your friends send in their electronics and make over $50- you get $10- each time. All while you are helping our environment from being polluted further. I have checked this company out and have found them environmentally and socially responsible. Another thing I should mention is that they will wipe out your data as soon as they get your item so you don't have to worry about identity theft. Look them up at http://www.gazelle.com/.

-BuyMyTronics.com: This company right now recycles only cell phones, ipods, mp3 players, iPhone and game consoles but they are promising soon they will take in other stuff. They will take your broken, used, and new items.They are fast and efficient. You can get paid within 48 hours if you are using pay pal. They say they usually pay higher than e-bay, craigslist, and other online mail in businesses. Best of all they are environmentally responsible and your personal data will be removed by them. www.buymytronics.com

-MyBoneYard.com: This one pretty much recycles everything including desk top computers. Shipping is free but you have to get your own packaging material. They will clear your personal data and they are very Eco friendly. They exceed all state legislative requirement on environmental safety and they are partners with Wireless Source, an organization that sets the standards for new, used, and remanufactured wireless devices. www.myboneyard.com

VenJuvo: This company rceycles virtually almost all kinds of elecronics. you have a choice of cash or a k-mart gift card. If you choose the K-Mart card you get 10% more value. Again shipping is free even though you have to provide the packaging material.

Electronic recycling while making money is rewarding and can help supplement your budget. You can even consider opening a small business recycling electronics such as cell phones. I think it is one of the new trends in small businesses and there is a lot of money to be made.