How much (in $) can I make with glass + plastic bottle recycling in Minnesota?

Question

Whats the prices paid for plastic and glass bottles? (beer and water bottles mostly)

Answer 1

I can give you a nationwide perspective on this:

HDPE and PETE (#1 & #2) are currently selling for about $0.40/lb. #3-7 plastics are selling for about $0.05/lb.  The market for glass nationwide is suffering.  Where I live, glass is being sold at a loss, and even considered to be better used as a daily cover on landfills.

Unless you are talking in the realm of TONS of plastic, I would just recycle your comodities at the curb.  Trying to make money on them should be left to a broker that can accumulate massive amounts of the material, bale it, and sell it.

Answer 2

I don't think you can make a h**l lot of money in plastic and glass bottles recycling in Minnesota. However, you need to go in political way to make proposal to the local lawman by the goal of making Minnesota environmental clean. It is not difficult to get grants from the US government, charity organization, religious groups, and local politicians. You may look into a small shop to collect the used bottles and the employees' wages are subsidized by the government, or volunteers (not likely) to work for free or just with honorarium. If you are look into a small process plant to equip with recycling machines, it will cost more. I personally think doing recycle work for the state of Minnesota is a good deed for protecting the environment rather than in hope of making money. I think if you can get grants, you certainly can make a living and earn respect in your community.