Where to Recycle Plastic Bottles for Cash Near Me?

From food packaging to clothing, the use of plastic in our daily lives has become almost unavoidable. While plastic is a convenient and versatile material, its improper disposal can lead to severe environmental implications.

But did you know that recycling your old plastic bottles can be a win-win for both the environment and your wallet?

Ok, but where to recycle plastic bottles for cash near me?

Well, I decided to take a closer look at how and where to make cash on plastic bottle recycling. As well as why it is so important to recycle your plastic bottles, and how to prepare them.

I’ll also let you know which plastics are non-recyclable, making the whole process quicker and easier.

So, let’s get started with the…

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste

With over 35 billion plastic bottles thrown away each year in the United States alone, the environmental impact of this excessive plastic waste should not be underestimated.

First and foremost, when plastic bottles are not recycled, they can accumulate as litter in the environment or end up in landfill sites. Landfill sites take up masses of valuable space. Plus, the plastics stored in them can take thousands of years to decompose. Moreover, during this prolonged decomposition process, plastics release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

But that’s not all…

Another significant environmental problem caused by plastic waste is the unnecessary exploitation of non-renewable natural resources. Plus, the emission of greenhouse gases.

The production of new plastic is very energy-intensive and requires large amounts of finite natural resources. This extraction and processing of raw materials waste copious amounts of oil and water. All while releasing pollutants such as methane and carbon dioxide into the air.

By recycling, we can reduce the need for new plastics to be produced. Reducing plastic production can, in turn, decrease the need for landfill space. As well as conserve raw materials and, consequently, lower our carbon footprint.

Did you know?

Recycling one ton of plastic bottles can save approximately four barrels of oil. As well as 7,000 gallons of water and 4,000 kilowatt-hours of energy!

But recycling plastic bottles is not only good for the environment. It can also put some extra cash in your pocket. And that’s what you’re here to find out about.

So, let’s find out how to make money recycling your plastic bottles.

What are Recyclable Plastics?

Not all plastics are recyclable. So it is important to familiarize yourself with the varieties that will be accepted before embarking on any recycling mission. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) cannot typically be recycled. This should be disposed of with your regular garbage.

The most widely recyclable forms of plastic include the following:

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)

PET or PETE plastics are usually transparent and generally used to make clear plastic bottles. They are widely accepted at recycling centers. It can be recycled into products ranging from carpet fibers to fleece jackets.

Polypropylene (PP)

PP plastics are strong and often used to produce yogurt containers and medicine bottles. These plastics are less commonly recycled. But PP will be accepted at certain recycling centers.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE plastics are flexible and often found in squeezable bottles, such as shampoos and condiments. These low-density plastics can be recycled into reusable grocery shopping bags. As well as toys and a variety of other useful items.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE plastics are very durable and predominantly used to make milk cartons and opaque detergent bottles. This form of plastic is widely accepted at recycling centers. It can be recycled into things like drainage pipes, lawn furniture, and recycling bins.

If you have a variety of plastics to recycle, it is advisable to contact the recycling center in advance. That way, you can check which plastics are accepted at your local facility.

Preparing Plastic Bottles for Recycling

Once you have determined which of your plastics are eligible for recycling, it is time to get them prepared for the recycling process.

Before taking your waste plastic bottles to be recycled, it is important to prepare each item correctly. The first step is to rinse the bottles out thoroughly with water. This is to remove any residue and help take off any labels on the packaging. Next, flatten the bottles. And finally, it is a good idea to separate your bottles by type, as different plastics require different processing methods.

Why bother doing this?

Following these steps to properly prepare your plastics can help to reduce processing times. It also saves space at recycling centers and, most importantly, maximizes your potential earnings.

Once all of our plastic is ready to be recycled, it is time to start making some money. So, let’s find out where to turn your waste plastic into cash…

Where to Recycle Plastic Bottles for Cash Near Me?

All you need to do to get started is open up a search engine, type ‘bottle redemption near me’ into the search bar, and press enter. The search engine will then show a list of participating local recycling centers, along with their exact locations and contact information.

There are a variety of recycling options to choose from, depending on where you live. Most cities with bottle redemption laws will have designated recycling centers. However, supermarkets also often provide machines to recycle any excess plastic.

The best option for you?

The more convenient option is recycling machines. These can be found in grocery stores, gas stations, and supermarkets. Once all of your recyclables have been loaded into the machine, you will be given a coupon which can be redeemed with a cashier in-store.

Recycling machines make it easier to recycle on the go. However, if you have lots of plastic to get rid of, they may not be the most efficient option.

Recycling centers are larger facilities with more sophisticated equipment. Allowing people to recycle larger volumes and varieties of material. Recycling centers are also likely to be more lucrative. This is because they are required by law to pay a minimum amount per bottle.

But which states have bottle redemption policies?

Let’s see…

States that Pay the Most for Recycling Your Plastic

In the U.S., ten states have bottle bills. So, the amount you can make will vary depending on which of these states you live in. The value of different types of plastic ranges from 5¢ to 15¢ between states. Check the list below for the rates offered in your state.

California

California residents are eligible to receive 5¢ for any plastic container that is 24 ounces or under and 10¢ for any that are over that. The state has over 1,250 recycling centers, so you shouldn’t have to travel too far to cash in on your plastics.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, you can earn 5¢ for any type of plastic bottle, except HDPE, which is excluded. Non-carbonated beverage containers over 2.5 liters and carbonated beverage containers over three liters are also excluded from bottle redemption in Connecticut.

Hawaii

Hawaii has set a goal of achieving zero waste by 2045 and offers 5¢ for any plastic containers up to 68 ounces.

Iowa

Those recycling in Iowa can get 5¢ for any recyclable plastic bottles up to 24 ounces and 10¢ for any bottles over 24 ounces.

Maine

Maine offers its residents 5¢ for any plastic container up to four liters and 15¢ for wine and liquor bottles. However, bottles of blueberry juice and apple cider that were made in Maine are not eligible for recycling under the Bottle Bill.

Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts pays its citizens 5¢ to recycle any plastic bottles under two gallons as long as they were used to contain carbonated soda, beer, and malt beverages.

Michigan

In Michigan, you can redeem any plastic container under a gallon for up to 10¢. The Michigan Bottle Deposit Law permits people to recycle up to $25 worth of plastic per day. Although, some recycling centers may be willing to accept more.

New York

New Yorkers can make 5¢ for any plastic bottle that is under a gallon. Although there are ongoing talks to increase the amount to 10¢ per bottle. People looking to recycle in New York can recycle up to 240 containers a day without advanced arrangements. However, with a prior booking, the amount is unlimited.

Oregon

Oregon pays 10¢ and will accept any form of beverage container that is under three liters. The only exceptions in Oregon are distilled spirits, wine, dairy, or plant-based milk, which will not be accepted.

Vermont

In Vermont, you can get paid 15¢ for liquor bottles and 5¢ for all other plastic beverage containers. Vermont’s Bottle Bill does not accept containers used for wine, hard cider, and non-carbonated, non-alcoholic drinks.

So, depending on where you live, it can change how lucrative recycling could be for you. For example, if you recycled 100 bottles in a state that offers 5¢ a bottle, you’d make $5. But, if you recycled those same 100 bottles in a state that pays 15¢ a bottle, you would make a $15 profit.

That’s not a bad return for something that would have otherwise been thrown away! However, if you’re looking to make even more, you will have to find bottles from further afield.

More on that next…

Maximizing Your Recycling Returns

If you are seeking to optimize your profits from recycling, you will need to get your hands on as much plastic as possible. This is because the greater the number of plastic bottles you have to recycle, the higher your potential earnings will be.

Here are some ideas of where to look for additional waste plastic. And get the most from recycling it:

Friends and Family

You could start by asking your nearest and dearest if they have any spare plastic bottles you could help them to recycle. A lot of households would be more than happy for someone to manage their recycling on their behalf.

The Community

If that still isn’t enough, you could go further out into the community. You could start asking at houses in your neighborhood and even searching local parks, beaches, and public places for plastic waste. Not only will it earn you extra cash, but it will also help to clean up your local area.

Local Businesses

Another way to increase your profitability from recycling could be to strike a deal with local bars and restaurants to collect their extra plastic.

Once you have one business to collect from, you could expand further and make arrangements with other establishments in the area too. This way, your income will only be limited by the amount of plastic you can transport to the recycling depot.

Now that you know the best places to recycle plastic bottles to earn money near me, are you interested in some…

Other Easy Ways to Make Extra Cash?

If so, find out where to Sell Used Car Batteries, the Best Places to Sell Used Rims for Cash, the Best Places to Sell a Broken TV, and the Best Places to Sell Your Used Bike for Cash in 2023!

We also recommend our guides to How to Make $500 Fast and How To Buy Amazon Returns. As well as How to Make Money on Instacart and some excellent Legit Online Side Jobs!

Or get paid for donating your plasma…

That’s right! If you meet the requirements for plasma donors, you will get a reloadable debit card that’s used for payments. Your payment will average between $50 to $100 per visit. However, it can be a lot more if you are located in the right place and are a favorable donor.

For more information, read our in-depth guides to How to Donate Plasma, as well as the locations of the Highest Paying Plasma Donation Centers throughout the US!

Ok, back to…

Final Thoughts

Recycling plastic bottles is an awesome way to contribute to the betterment of the environment and our bank balances. Not only does recycling support the conservation of natural resources and reduce pollution, but it can also benefit local businesses and communities.

It is also pretty straightforward if you live in a state with a bottle bill. There will then be plenty of convenient options provided to trade in your unwanted plastic for cash.

As individuals, we can all make a difference by recycling and taking steps toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get out there and make the planet and our pockets greener!

Happy recycling!