Want to know how you can turn trash into cash?

Did you know, the things you throw away could actually put money in your pocket?

From empty bottles to old gadgets, here are easy, realistic ways to turn everyday waste into extra cash, while helping the planet too.

Get paid for empty cans and bottles

Thanks to a new government recycling scheme, shoppers will soon get paid for returning empty drinks containers to supermarkets.

Major retailers like Tesco, Morrisons and Asda have signed up to the Deposit Return Scheme. A small, redeemable deposit will be added to certain drinks containers and refunded when you return them to a collection point.

• no receipt or proof of purchase needed
• you can return containers you’ve found, as long as they’re clean and undamaged
• the scheme is expected to roll out by October 2027

Sell scrap metal and make more space while you’re at it

That broken bike, unused microwave or spare wheel cluttering up your garage, could be worth more than you think. Scrap yards and licensed metal buyers will often:

• collect items from your home
• pay on the same day

It’s a quick way to declutter and make money with minimal effort.

Make money from old electronics (e-waste)

If old phones, tablets, laptops and gadgets are taking up room in your cupboard, why not turn them into cash? Many companies will buy them, even if they’re damaged.

They often:

• pay the same day
• cover postage or collection costs

Here are three trusted places to start:

• Music Magpie
• Techbuyer
• Recycle Your Electricals

Turn food waste into ‘garden gold’

Fruit peeling, coffee grounds and veg scraps can be turned into rich compost that gardeners love.

Simply:

• set up a small kitchen collection bin
• use a compost heap, compost bin or even a worm system
• after 2 - 6 months, you’ll have dark, crumbly compost

Use it to grow your own veg and save yourself some money, or sell it to local gardeners for extra cash.

Sell unwanted clothes

Platforms like Vinted, Depop or charity buy-back schemes will pay for clothes you no longer wear.

Return ink cartridges

Many office supply stores and online services pay for used printer cartridges.

Collect cardboard and paper

If you have large amounts of paper and cardboard, some recycling centres will pay by weight.

By recycling smarter and reusing what you already have, you can earn extra cash and reduce landfill at the same time.

Small changes really can add up.