3 Simple Ways Your Recycling Bin will Save You Money

Besides the obvious good that recycling does for the environment, do you also realize it can save you money?

1. Curbs “spur of the moment” spending

My first experience with the money-saving recycling bin came right before my husband was getting ready to get out of the Marine Corps. We were sending every penny to savings in order to get ready for the upcoming move and job change. Any “extra” shopping for things like books, decorations for the house, and other things was halted. I stopped window-shopping to curb any chance of me finding things that I might find I *needed*. But there was still something that was finding it’s way into my mailbox every day. A catalog. And not just one. But many. Yes, the Pottery Barn catalog. And Pottery Barn Kids. And PB Teens. and, and…well, you get the picture. So to make it all easier I started throwing them into the recycling bin. After checking the mail I’d walk straight into the garage, stop by the recyling bin and dump the junk, and then continue into the house. Removing those catalogs removed the last chance that I would stray from our no spending budget.

2. Saves Money on Trash Bags

This idea is a simple one. The more you recycle, the less that goes into your trashcan. The less trash you generate, the less trash bags you’ll need to buy. Our curbside trashcan is proof positive of that. Every week many of my neighbor’s trashcans are filled to the brim with trash. Mine is about half-empty. It’s the recycling bin that is stuffed full.

3. Turn your recycling bin contents into money.

Many states charge a small deposit when you purchase drinks that are in cans or bottles. A lot of people just throw them out, not realizing (or caring) that they can get their money back. Store your cans and bottles in a small bag and take them to the store the next time you shop for groceries and get some of your money back!

Not sure if your state charges a bottle deposit? Twelve states do, see if your state is one of them.