💵 How to Make Money Recycling: A Quick Guide for Mesa, Arizona Residents

Living in Mesa, AZ and wondering if you can actually make money from recycling? The answer is YES – but most people are missing out because they either don’t know what to recycle, where to take it, or how much it’s worth.

This guide is here to change that. If you’re cleaning out your garage, doing renovations, or just tired of seeing that pile of “junk” in the backyard – you’re about to discover how to turn it into real cash – and do something good for the planet 🌍 at the same time.

Let’s talk about what items are worth money, how to prepare them, and where to go in Mesa to get the best service and payment. We’ll also cover tips that most people don’t know, but make a big difference when you’re selling recyclable material.

🤔 Why Should You Care About Recycling for Cash?

Because it’s easy money – and most people let it go to waste.

Every day in Mesa, residents throw out:

  • Copper wires from old renovations 🔧
  • Aluminum cans from parties 🍺
  • Car batteries that could pay you $5 to $12 each 🚗
  • Broken appliances full of metal (microwaves, stoves, etc.)

Meanwhile, recycling centers like Clean The Planet Recycling LLC are paying top dollar for all of that. You don’t have to work extra hours – just bring what you already have.

And unlike selling on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, you don’t have to wait for buyers or negotiate. You bring it, they weigh it, you get paid — it’s that simple.


💡 What Materials Can You Sell for Cash in Mesa?

Let’s break this down by material – and yes, we’ll also tell you what NOT to bring 🚫

💎 Copper (High Value)

If you have leftover wiring, old plumbing pipes, or the inside of electric motors — you have copper. It pays some of the highest prices per pound.

  • Where to find it: Old A/C units, extension cords, home remodels
  • How to prepare: Strip off plastic insulation if possible (you get more)

♻️ Aluminum (Fast & Easy)

  • Common sources: Soda/beer cans, window frames, gutters, car rims
  • Tip: Clean cans are easier to weigh and usually paid better

🪓 Car Batteries

  • Lead-acid car batteries can earn money depending on condition.
  • Always wear gloves when handling them. Centers like Clean The Planet handle these safely.

🌊 Radiators & A/C Units

  • Radiators contain copper and aluminum, making them high value items.
  • If you replaced an old unit recently, don’t throw it away — sell it.

👾 Steel & Iron (Heavy but Lower Value)

  • Old shelving, grills, tools, weight benches, car parts, bed frames
  • Tip: The heavier, the better — sell it by the truckload

🤻 Brass

  • Found in old plumbing fixtures, faucets, and valves
  • Easy to confuse with copper, but centers can weigh it separately

🌮 Plastic Bottles (PET, HDPE)

  • Yes, if brought in large volumes, some centers pay for it.
  • Must be clean and sorted (milk jugs, detergent bottles, soda bottles)

⛔ Materials You Should NOT Bring:

  • No CRT monitors or old desktop computers ❌
  • No broken televisions or e-waste
  • No hazardous materials (paint, oil, chemicals, etc.)
  • No glass bottles (unless center specifies otherwise)

Important: Clean The Planet Recycling LLC does NOT accept computers or related electronics.


💼 Who’s Already Making Money with This in Mesa?

You might be surprised who’s cashing in:

  • 🧳 People collecting cans from parties and public parks
  • 👨‍💼 Handymen, roofers, and remodelers with leftover scrap
  • 🚼 Families clearing out their garage or old appliances
  • 🤘 Teens helping clean up neighborhoods and collecting recyclables

Real story: Ana, a single mom in Mesa, made $174 in one day just by recycling an old oven, two A/C units, and a bag of aluminum cans.

🌟 Why Clean The Planet Recycling is a Local Favorite

Located right in Mesa at 1112 W Birchwood Ave, they’ve built a reputation for:

  • ✅ Friendly, bilingual service (English & Spanish)
  • ✅ Honest, certified weighing system
  • ✅ Fair and consistent pricing
  • ✅ Instant cash or Zelle payment
  • ✅ Open Monday to Saturday with flexible hours

🚀 Whether you come with 3 aluminum cans or a full truckload, they treat you right.


🔎 What Do You Need to Bring?

  • Your materials (separated if possible)
  • A valid ID (Arizona law)
  • Gloves (optional but helpful)
  • Time: The process usually takes less than 20 minutes

📊 You can even call ahead or send a WhatsApp to ask:
+1 (480) 361-1863


🔹 Tips to Make the Most Money

Here are some insider tricks most newbies don’t know:

  1. Separate materials before arriving (e.g., copper from aluminum)
  2. Strip cables if you can — bare copper pays more
  3. Bundle cans or bottles by type
  4. Remove fluids from radiators or tanks (saves time)
  5. Ask for pricing before unloading — transparency is key
  6. Go in the morning when lines are shorter and staff are fresh

🏢 Address & Hours

Clean The Planet Recycling LLC
📍 1112 W Birchwood Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
📞 Tel/WhatsApp: +1 (480) 361-1863
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sun: Closed


✨ Final Thought: Don’t Throw It, Sell It!

Mesa residents throw away hundreds of dollars every week without realizing it. If you’re remodeling, cleaning up, or just want to make extra cash on the side — recycling is one of the easiest ways to do it.

🌐 Visit: RecyclersMesa.com
📍 Stop by in person
📲 Or send a message via WhatsApp

Clean the planet. Clean your garage. Collect your cash.

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