Is Recycling Worth My Effort?
Question: Is Recycling Worth My Effort?
Answer: The quick answer is generally YES, but let’s qualify that a little more. To recycle, the material must be baled. So an investment is required to buy or lease a baler. To determine the Return on Investment, let’s do a little math. The recyclable material is generally being removed via a dumpster on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Determine the cost of that “waste” removal. Next, let’s look at your potential income stream from baling your recyclables. For every 1,000 lb bale, estimate an income of $60 for cardboard, $100 for plastic, and $200 for aluminum. Now, subtract the cost of hauling the recycled tonnage to the landfill. This will give your total “profit.” Divide that into the cost of the baler to determine the time it will take to recover your investment – usually 1-2 years. From then on, your saving continues throughout the life of the baler.
Next: What is the Difference Between a Baler and a Compactor?