The Art of Profiting from Waste
In a world of consumer excess, the idea of selling rubbish might sound absurd. Yet, this unconventional method of income is steadily gaining traction. It’s not about scavenging — it’s about reimagining value.
From sustainability movements to circular economies, what was once discarded now holds potential. Companies and individuals alike are seeking ethical, recycled, and reused materials — and are willing to pay for them.
Upcycling isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a global trend reshaping how we view materials. Transforming trash into something functional or beautiful can become a lucrative craft and a strong selling point.
Look closer at what you throw away. From cereal boxes to rusting bed frames, opportunities lie hidden.
Turn Trash Into Treasure and Cash
Trying to reduce your waste but not sure how? Looking for new ways to recycle old stuff, maybe making some money in the process? Let me explain you how I’ve managed to make money selling rubbish.
I’ve started selling stuff online on a regular basis four years ago, and so far I’ve made around £600 of net sales.
It’s not a huge amount of money, but considering that I sold stuff which otherwise I would have thrown away, I think it’s an interesting result…after all, who would throw £600 in the rubbish?
My philosophy is that it is worth it as long as I don’t lose money. And I must admit I’ve become addicted to the whole thing, so I don’t mind spending time trying to get good pictures and writing listings.
I sell mostly clothes I don’t wear anymore, but the item which is by far the most popular is the most unexpected: empty toilet rolls. And not only around Christmas time, when some people use them to make Christmas crackers.
I have to say it can take some time, but I’ve always managed to sell any toilet roll bundle I listed. As long as the buyer pays the postage, I can make a profit no matter how little: and I have one item less to send to the landfill.
Junk Flipping for Fast Cash
But toilet rools aren’t the only unexpected item you can sell online, helping protecting the environment. Here is a list of other things you can sell, you will be surprised of what people are buying!
- empty glass jars. When you finish your sauce, don’t throw the jar away but clean it and sell it instead.
- used wine corks are used for crafts.
- empty branded boxes. I’ve sold all the boxes of the smartphones I bought, anything with a brand on it seems to have a market out there. There seems to be also a market for used metal boxes of any size.
- eggs cartons, useful for crafts but also for seedlings.
- take away plastic tupperware. Many take-aways uses them, and if you wash them they are perfectly fine to be reused and even sold.
- old electronics and appliances. Don’t toss that non-functioning blender. Appliances can be stripped for motors, cords, and metal parts. Old smartphones, broken laptops, and outdated gadgets contain precious metals and reusable components. Read here how you can recycle your old electronics sustainably.
- metal scraps. Aluminum, copper, and brass fetch a decent price at scrap yards. Even old plumbing and wires can be sold.
Make Rubbish Your Next Side Hustle
In a world of waste, value lies in the eye of the beholder. With creativity, hustle, and purpose, trash can transform into treasure — and income. Every day we throw away a lot of items without thinking, but many of them can have a second life. Remember that next time you are about to throw that toilet roll in the bin, and you too can start to make money selling some of your rubbish 🙂