Fundable.Org

Recycling Fundraiser

Did you know that you could recycle not only toner cartridges and cell phones, but consumer electronics, clothes and even shoes? Recycling fundraiser programs are a great way to support the environment, help others, and raise money for your school or organization.

The concept for a recycling fundraiser is easy: organize a collection system for the recycled items. Send the items to a recycler or collection facility. Get paid. There are no upfront costs.

Toner Cartridge, Cell Phone, Consumer Electronics
These recycling programs are designed to be long term (e.g. a school term). But they can pay throughout the year as you collect your items.
With 300 million cartridges thrown away every year, collecting just a fraction of these is a great way to earn money. Inkjet and laser cartridges can pay anywhere from $.20 to $12 each, depending on the model and recycler. Most recyclers only accept OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridges, meaning brand names such as HP, Lexmark, Brother, etc.
The average American changes phones often—every 12 to 18 months. In fact, 150 million are “retired” each year. The amount paid depends on the phone. For example, an iPhone 3G may get you $50 while a Samsung flip phone will only net $.50 cents.
The higher original price of an item, the more it will net. That’s why laptops and electronics pay top dollar. An iPod 6th gen 160GB will could pay up to $35. For a laptop, expect anywhere between $10 and $50 each.
Here’s how it generally works with recycling programs.
Set up a free account with one of the recycling programs such as Recycle Rewards or Funding Factory.  They will send you pre-paid shipping labels, collection boxes and marketing materials. Your school or charity is paid on what’s collected.
Contact businesses, colleges, law offices, churches and other large firms to act as sponsors. Set up the collection boxes. When the boxes are full, pick them up, and send them back for cash credit. Some businesses may even do this for you. Parents of kids are great ambassadors at their employers to make this happen.
Ask these businesses if they’ll mention your recycling program in emails, newsletters, etc. Display flyers and posters throughout the businesses reminding them to recycle for your good cause.
Make sure you update your sponsors often. Send them thank you notes. And mention their names anytime you talk about your recycling fundraiser.
For additional success, divide your members into teams and canvass the neighborhoods. Go to door to door with a solicitation letter and tax deduction receipt (provided by the recycler). Choose a parent as a team leader.
Clothing Recycling Fundraiser
The concept for a clothing fundraiser is similar. Collect clothing and shoes. Ship to a clothing recycler. Collect the money. These clothes are sent to the poor and needy around the U.S. and into third world countries to be re-worn.

Probably the big difference with a clothing recycling fundraiser is that everyone has clothes and shoes that they can donate. Your potential donor pool is much larger.

Clothing recyclers typically pay $.05 to $.10/per pound. Many companies like Fibers of the Earth will place a drop box in a location and the box is emptied on a schedule, usually every week. You’ll need to search for a clothing recycler in your area.

Summary
No matter what you chose to collect, a recycling fundraiser is a profitable way to raise money for your school or charity. Though these programs usually take a school year to bear fruit, there is little to no upfront costs.

Check out some other “School Fundraiser” ideas.