Is That Junk Worth Money? 10 Common Items You Can Recycle for Cash
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AUG 28, 2025

Is That Junk Worth Money? 10 Common Items You Can Recycle for Cash

It goes without saying that recycling certain household items, electronics, and even everyday waste is good for the environment and a great way to make extra cash. If you’re decluttering your home or moving houses, you may be wondering what’s lying around your home that could be recycled for cash. Well, you’ll be surprised at how many common items hold value.

In this article, RCM Recycling walks you through the ten common items you can recycle for cash. For years, we’ve been helping individuals and businesses turn unwanted items into cash with our scrap metal recycling programs.

  • Aluminum Cans

One of the easiest and most common items to recycle for cash is aluminum cans. From soda cans to energy drink containers, aluminum is highly valuable and widely accepted at recycling centers. Collecting these cans over time can add up quickly, especially if you buy them in bulk.

  • Copper Wiring

Copper is one of the most valuable metals you can recycle. Old electrical wiring, extension cords, and power cables contain copper that can fetch a good price. Stripping the insulation before selling can increase the payout, but even unstripped wires can earn you a decent return at RCM Recycling.

  • Old Appliances

Got an old refrigerator, washer, dryer, or microwave sitting in your garage? These bulky items are filled with recyclable metals like steel, copper, and aluminum. Instead of letting them collect dust or paying someone to haul them away, bring them to us and get paid for your scrap.

  • Brass Fixtures

Outdated brass faucets, plumbing fixtures, doorknobs, and other hardware can be worth more than you think. Brass is a highly sought-after metal in the recycling market, and you’ll get a better payout when the pieces are clean and separated from other materials.

  • Stainless Steel

From kitchen sinks and cookware to automotive parts and old tools, stainless steel is everywhere in most homes. Recycling stainless steel items not only helps the environment but also puts cash back in your hands. The heavier the steel, the better the payout.

  • Car Batteries

If you have an old or dead car battery sitting in your garage, don’t throw it away. Car batteries contain lead and other materials that can be hazardous to the environment, but they’re also valuable when recycled. RCM Recycling offers competitive payouts for car batteries while ensuring they’re safely handled and processed.

  • Electronics & E-Waste

Outdated computers, phones, tablets, and televisions contain valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper. Recycling e-waste is a responsible way to dispose of your gadgets while earning a little extra money. We accept a wide variety of electronics, making it easy for you to clear out clutter while getting paid.

  • Lead

Lead is commonly found in old pipes, roofing materials, and certain weights or tools. It’s another high-value material for recycling, and RCM Recycling ensures it’s handled with care to meet safety and environmental standards.

  • Car Parts & Scrap Vehicles

Old car parts like catalytic converters, radiators, rims, and even entire scrap vehicles can bring in a good amount of money. These items contain a mix of valuable metals, making them perfect for recycling instead of sending them to a landfill.

  • Household Metal Items

Finally, look around your home for smaller items like pots, pans, light fixtures, shelving, and even bed frames. These everyday objects contain steel, aluminum, or brass, all of which can be turned into quick cash at RCM Recycling.

Ready To Cash In On Common Items? Reach Out to RCM Recycling

Today, recycling household items is easier than you think. If you’re looking for trusted scrap metal buyers offering top dollar for recyclable items, contact the team at RCM Recycling. We are a locally owned and operated scrap metal recycling company that has been around for decades. We always update our prices based on current market rates to ensure you get the best possible value for your materials. Contact RCM Recycling now to sell your recyclable items and make extra income.