I hate the idea of my old stuff ending up in a landfill – so I started looking into brands that “buy back” unused items and empty packaging. It turns out that dozens of retailers offer recycling programs with rewards for participating shoppers.
You can get valuable coupons and other perks for turning in everything from jeans that never quite fit right to the empty plastic container that once held your favorite sugar scrub. Clean out your clutter and turn trash into treasure.
I chose the 14 best retail recycling programs to get you started, focusing on brands with generous incentives. I also prioritized programs that make participation easy, but you might need to become a rewards member to cash in.
1. Levi’s
Through Levi’s SecondHand Trade-In Program, you can get a gift card for $5 to $30 per item. Just make an appointment to bring up to five old pairs of Levi’s jeans, jackets, or other garments to your local store. The brand rewards you for each piece that meets its resale quality requirements and recycles the rest.
2. Scrub Daddy
Turn in your old Scrub Daddy sponges to receive a $2 coupon for each recycled item. You can earn up to $10 in coupons through the brand’s Recycling Reward initiative.
3. Kiehl’s
If you join the rewards program for this skincare and cosmetics brand, you’ll get 10 points for every empty container you recycle at a local Kiehl’s store. Each time you earn 100 points, you receive a coupon for $10 off your next purchase.
4. H&M
This fashion brand also gives customers coupons for recycling old clothes. If you have H&M pieces that don’t fit your current aesthetic, bring them to the counter of any location to receive your 15% discount.
5. DSW
Donating your old shoes to DSW gives you a discount toward a new pair. Rewards members get 50 points for every donation they make, and you get a $5 coupon every time you earn 100 points.
6. Credo Beauty
Join the Credo Beauty rewards program to trade in your clean, empty bottles for new products. Bring back the brand’s packaging and receive 10 points per item, up to 120 points per visit. Then, visit the Credo website to spend your points on new products. Choice options like Sahajan Mini Golden Milk Cleanser and Kinfield Mini Sunday Spray Cooling Aloe Mist cost 100 points each.
7. Madewell
I’m a huge fan of Madewell’s Do Well denim recycling program, mainly because participating couldn’t be easier. Visit your local store and trade your old Madewell jeans for a $20 voucher for a new pair. The company either resells the pre-owned denim or recycles the material into housing insulation.
8. Lush
If you’ve been to a Lush location, you know this bath and body brand is all about sustainability, right down to its recyclable packaging. Bring your old containers back to any Lush store. You’ll receive a $1 coupon for each item, or swap five recyclables for a free face mask.
9. Eileen Fisher
Restock your entire wardrobe with the Eileen Fisher Renew program. Return Eileen Fisher items to your local store or mail them to the brand’s recycling center. You’ll receive a $5 Renew Rewards coupon for every item in any condition.
10. Apple
Trade in that old Apple Watch or iPhone 8, is gathering dust in your junk drawer. In exchange, you’ll receive credit toward a new device. The amount ranges from $50 for an iPhone 7 to $1,170 for a MacBook Pro.
To get started, make an appointment at the Apple Store near you or submit your trade online. If you’re not ready for a new tablet or phone right away, the brand will send a gift card.
11. The North Face
If you have old gear from the North Face, you could qualify for a $10 coupon per item through the company’s Renewed Take-Back program. First, join the free XPLR PASS rewards program if you’re not already a member. Then, bring your items to your local North Face location. Depending on their condition, the brand either resells or recycles used garments.
12. Advance Auto Parts
In many areas, throwing away used car batteries is illegal because they contain harmful chemicals that pollute the environment. Bring back your battery when your car needs a new one, and get $10 for a replacement. It comes as an Advance Auto Parts gift card you can use at any time.
13. Patagonia
This outdoor brand lives up to its reputation for sustainability with its Worn Wear program. In addition to buying pre-owned Patagonia pieces at a discount, you can trade in your old items for store credit. Receive anywhere from $10 for kids’ clothes and women’s dresses up to $100 for heavy winter wear like 3-in-1 jackets and parkas.
Bring brand gear to your local Patagonia store to get started. Worn Wear also offers a $7 flat-rate shipping label to print if you’d rather ship your stuff.
14. Staples
Join Easy Rewards at this office supply store and earn valuable points for recycling tech devices, ink cartridges, batteries, phone cases, and dozens of other random products. Bring your bounty to the customer service desk at any Staples location. You’ll earn up to 1,000 points per item and get $1 in-store credit for every 200 points. Download the Staples app for bonus opportunities that pay extra points, which is a fun twist to this recycling program.
The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
If you’re looking for ways to earn more money to put toward your goals, start by examining your spending habits. By tracking your spending and seeing where every dollar goes, you’ll likely find several instances of spending money you don’t have to. It could be little things that add up or recurring monthly expenses that are an utter waste of money.
Once you eliminate your bad spending habits, that money can go toward your emergency fund, paying off debt, or other essential things. Here are the 41 biggest wastes of money to look out for.
- Read More: The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
Never Put These 15 Things Down the Kitchen Sink if You Want to Avoid a Huge Repair Bill
Many people don’t think about what they put down the kitchen sink. They just scrape all their food waste into the sink, turn on the garbage disposal, and watch it disappear. But many things can damage your garbage disposal or plumbing.
Here are 15 things you should never put down the kitchen sink to avoid a huge repair bill.
Source: 14 Companies That Will Reward You for Turning in Old Stuff
