Turn your trash to cash (and free food!)
Did you know that there are places in Singapore who will give you cash for your trash? In line with the beginning of Earth Day celebrations, we will run a series of articles on doing our part to ensure a healthier and greener Earth, starting with recycling. Read on to find out where and how you can capitalize on this initiative.
Turn your junk into cash
Is that brand new toaster you received during your housewarming party still sitting in its box? Or is the OSIM massager you bought on a whim lying in a corner after only a few uses? Or have you thought about recycling your waste but don’t really know how to go about doing it? Instead of throwing out your items and waste, why not get some extra cash and even free food out of them? Here are some ways to turn to trash into cash and free food!
1. Cash Converters
What must I do?
Simply bring your item down to one of Cash Converter’s stores where their staff will determine the value of your item and exchange your item for cash on the spot! Do note that although you can bring in almost any item, (mobile phones, household equipment and even musical instruments!) there are some items that Cash Converters does not accept such as books, clothes and large furniture. Click here the full list of items they do and do not accept.
Where?
Here is the list of Cash Converter’s location stores:
1. Cash Converters Admiralty
70 Woodlands Ave 7 Admiralty MRT Station #01-01 Singapore 738344
Main : 6269 8810
Fax : 6269 8871
2. Cash Converters Ang Mo Kio
Blk 710A Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 #01-2625 Singapore 561710
Tel: 6453 8858
Fax: 6453 9959
3. Cash Converters Toa Payoh
Blk 192 Toa Payoh Lor 4 #01-674 Singapore 310192
Tel: 6354 3380
Fax: 6354 1480
4. Cash Converters Bedok
Blk 206 Bedok North St. 1
#01-355 Singapore 460206
Tel: 6244 8050
Fax: 6244 8760
5. Cash Converters Jurong East
Blk 135 Jurong East St. 13
#01-315 Singapore 600135
Tel: 6569 7085
Fax: 6569 6625
When?
All the Cash Converter stores open daily from 10.30am to 9pm.
What can I get?
Instant cash for your item! Do note that the value of your item will be determined only when the Cash Converter staff has taken a look at it. The value of your item is also dependent on its condition so here are some tips to get the most out of your item. For example, if you’re planning to bring in an electrical appliance, clean and test the item to ensure that it is in working condition. Also, remember to bring all the accessories and manuals that came with it and store it in its original packaging.
Besides selling your items, the Cash Converter stores also has other new and second-hand items up for sale so look around and you might be able to find a great bargain!
Where can find out more?
For more information, visit http://www.cashconverters-asia.com/buy-sell.html or contact the various location stores directly.
2. Sell your items on the Internet!
Most of us have indulged in online shopping so why not use the internet to make some money out of any items you don’t have use for? There are many websites that provide a platform to put up free advertisements and get in touch with interested buyers but here are a few of the more established ones.
What must I do?
Sign up for an account, place an advertisement for your item and wait for the bids to roll in! Do remember to read the terms and conditions before any transactions!
When and Where?
Anytime, anywhere!
What can I get?
Cash, depending on your price quotation and bids from potential buyers.
Where can find out more?
Visit the websites for more information and to sign up for an account.
3. Recycling Exchange Initiative
RC-REIT is a community recycling programme pioneered by Veolia Environmental Services, a wasteservices company, and was first introduced to the grassroots organizations in 2005. Its aim is to reach out to more residents in Singapore to encourage them to recycle their waste by rewarding them with food items in exchange for their recyclables. With more than 50 RCs offering this programme, RC-Reit’s Food Exchange Initiative has definitely proven to be a success!
What must I do?
Start recycling now! Begin by setting up separate bins for recyclable items such as paper, clean plastic or glass bottles in your home. Bring your recyclable items (minimum of 5kg) to one of the collection points and exchange them for food items!
When and Where?
There are regular food collection dates and the collection points are at RCs all over Singapore. For the full list of food collection dates and points do check out http://www.veolia-es.sg/reit_update.html
What can I get?
In exchange for your recyclables, you can expect to be rewarded with food necessities like canned food, instant noodles, rice packets and biscuits. Getting free food while doing your bit to save the Earth, what could be better?
Where can find out more?
For more details, do visit www.veolia-es.sg/reit.html
