As we delve further into the 21st century, many people have become aware of the importance of recycling. Usually, recycling is presented as one of the most significant ways of reducing our impact in the environment. As the world population continues to increase, waste disposal solutions become less efficient and more expensive to maintain. Recycling is also a way of reducing pollution and preserving natural resources.

However, there is another incentive to start recycling. You could in fact make money out of recycled goods. Recycling mobile phones, ink cartridges, and computers could supplement your income while you leave a green imprint on the environment.

Recycling mobile phones

A modern mobile phone has an average lifespan of 4 years. Yet, most mobile phone users change their equipment every year. What happens to the millions of perfectly functioning mobile phone devices that are routinely discarded? Some retailers chose to refurbish them and sell them, but the majority end up in landfills. This presents a real health hazard, since mobile phone batteries contain harmful materials that are considered to be carcinogens. These elements can filter through the land, polluting drinking water and the soil where food produce grows.

Recycling mobile phones offers a green solution to our environmental problems, but more importantly, it is also a way to help others in these times of economic crisis. Many cash-strapped consumers are no longer able to replace their phones as often as they used to, so buying a second-hand recycled phone constitutes a great alternative. In some cases, used mobile phones are sent to developing nations.

There are mobile phone “banks” where you can exchange your old device for cash. On average, a second-hand mobile phone raises £50, but high-tech models can fetch up to £120. Alternatively, you could have your phone stripped down and sell its raw materials.

Recent research shows that only 20% of the British population recycles their phones, so the potential market is huge indeed.

Recycling ink cartridges

Many companies are now encouraging sustainable printing. One way to comply is by recycling your empty cartridges, whether at home or in the office. Used cartridges are cleaned and re-manufactured by recycling companies, and later they are sold as compatible cartridges at a lower price than branded ones. You could make £5 for each empty cartridge that you take to be recycled. To make things even more convenient, you can just post your old cartridges and your account will be credited once they are received.

Ethical considerations are also involved: cartridges that are not recycled, but simply thrown away, tend to end up in landfills in developing countries, where children scavenge bare-handed for the tiniest remains of pigment. Cartridge pigment is known to cause respiratory diseases and skin problems, so think twice before you dispose of your empty cartridge in the bin.

Recycling electronic gadgets

Most electronic devices can be recycled. Nowadays, some retailers offer “take back” schemes, while other companies offer cash in exchange for your unused electronic waste. You can recycle computer parts, musical instruments, kettles, lamps, PDAs, and televisions, among many others. Find your local recycling plant and start making money while you help the planet!

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, the UK\’s leading specialist in printer cartridges, including toner cartridges and ink cartridges.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World (http://www.cartridgeworld.co.uk), the UK\’s leading specialist in printer cartridges.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, the UK\’s leading specialist in printer cartridges, including toner cartridges and ink cartridges.

Category: Advice
Keywords: printer cartridges, ink cartridges, toner cartridges