Recycling Fundraiser Tips

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Recycling isn't just the right choice for the health of the planet; it is also an excellent way to raise funds for your group. Recycling fundraisers work because they take advantage of what many people see as garbage and turn it into the money that your organization needs. You are solving someone's problem—the disposal of unwanted items—at no cost to them. The following tips can help you plan a successful recycling campaign.

Tip #1: Pick the Material

You have many options when it comes to recyclables that make money. The following is just a small list:

  • Aluminum cans

  • Ferrous metal (any metal that a magnet sticks to)

  • Precious metals or jewelry

  • Clothing and textiles

  • Electronics

  • Printer cartridges

The best way to decide which recyclables to collect is to visit a local recycling center. Find out what the current payout is, per pound, for each option. You can then focus on the items your group can collect with the least amount of effort for the biggest return.

Tip #2: Get the Word Out

Your next goal is to make sure people know you are collecting. Low-cost fliers are probably the simplest option. You can hang them on doors or have participants hand them out. Another option is to place an ad in community papers, either online or in print. Many allow non-profit organizations to place ads at no cost or for a reduced fee. Finally, if you will be hosting a drive day, such as setting up in a parking lot to collect items, let local media outlets know when, where, and why you are collecting. You never know, you may have your cause on the news.

Tip #3: Make It Easy

This is key to a successful collection. When possible, offer to pick up items instead of making people come to you. Picking up items can be especially helpful if large recyclables are part of your program. For example, old appliances are often accepted if they are made of the right type of metal, but people may not have a way to bring them to you. Have someone in the group with a truck or trailer available for pickups. It is also helpful to have a drop-off station, even if it is just someone's garage, for those that would prefer to bring in their own donations.

Tip #4: Be Prepared

When collecting items, make sure you only take what you can recycle. You don't want your organization stuck with the dump fee for items you can't recycle. Have a magnet on hand if you are collecting metal so you can check if it is ferrous or non-ferrous. It's also a good idea to get a list from the recycling depot of what is and isn't allowed, so you don't accidentally take items you can't turn in. Finally, have containers to separate items if you must separate them before taking them in to the depot. This will save you time if you sort as you collect.

To prepare for the big day, make sure you identify and communicate with a local recycling depot, such as Uptown Bottle Depot.

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4 February 2016

what can you do with recyclable materials?

Recycling goes well beyond tossing your plastic bottles and aluminum cans in bins separate from your un-recyclable trash. Every little bit counts when it comes to recycling. Maybe it is time for you to consider going beyond traditional recycling in your home. You can take things that would otherwise end up in salvage yards or landfills and make something truly spectacular out of them. My site is filled with great ideas for using your "trash" to create things like wall art, furniture, children's entertainment items, and much, much more. You can save money on things that you would otherwise have to buy and have fun creating your own stuff out of recyclable materials.