In today’s world, many seek additional income, and there are various avenues to explore: requesting a salary increase, switching jobs, or even picking up a side gig. However, an unconventional method to consider is monetizing what most consider discarded items. While not all refuse is worth salvaging, certain items discarded by individuals can be surprisingly valuable. Although these endeavors generally require a volume approach—selling numerous items to generate significant income—it’s entirely feasible to profit by collecting items from discarded materials, residences, or public areas. For instance, items such as used golf balls, wooden pallets, cardboard boxes, wine corks, and egg cartons can surprisingly bring in decent returns.

Lost Golf Balls – A Hidden Fortune Up to $2 Each

With over 25 million golfers in the U.S., it’s evident that countless golf balls are lost each year, contributing to the staggering 1.5 billion that go missing annually. Surprisingly, secondhand golf balls hold much of their original value. As noted by Lashan Wanigatunga, co-founder of Two Guys with Balls, the resale prices for these balls can range from 15 cents to $2, depending on the brand, indicating considerable potential for profit simply by collecting lost balls.

Moreover, diving into water hazards can be particularly lucrative, as these areas often teeming with lost golf balls are seldom accessed by others. Golf ball divers can earn around $200 daily, with some claiming earnings as high as $800 per day. While it can be hazardous diving without proper experience and safety measures, the prospect of earning hundreds by reclaiming what others have left behind is enticing.

Wooden Pallets – A Worthwhile Find Up to $4 Each

Wooden pallets are commonly found and incredibly versatile. If there’s a nearby business that often accumulates pallets, it might be your lucky day—used pallets in good condition can sell for anywhere between 50 cents and $4 each. Simply asking businesses about their excess pallets, having a method to transport them, and possibly some tools for minor repairs can set the stage for profit. The North American Pallet Recycling Network lists local pallet brokers, and companies like Kamps Pallets will actually pay for and pick up pallets if you have at least 500 to sell annually.

Cardboard Boxes: Selling Potential at $1.25 Each

The cardboard boxes that arrive with your online orders can also turn into a source of revenue. Selling these empty boxes on platforms like BoxCycle can yield about 10 cents to $1.25 for standard-sized moving boxes; alternatives include U-Haul Box Exchange and Used Cardboard Boxes, which buy a wide range of box types, or even listing them on eBay.

Wine Corks – Collecting Potential at 10 Cents Each

The U.S. has a massive wine-drinking culture, consuming over 4 billion bottles each year. Surprisingly, recycling won’t be the only fate for wine corks, as they can fetch around 10 cents each on platforms like Etsy and eBay. While the average American drinks about 16 bottles annually, accessing discarded corks from local eateries could provide a profitable opportunity.

Egg Cartons – Worth Between 30-40 Cents Each

Interestingly, the market for used egg cartons is substantial. They are sought after for arts and crafts projects and are frequently purchased by small farms for resale. Standard supermarket egg cartons typically sell for about 30-40 cents on eBay. For those who consume around 285 eggs annually (approximately 24 dozen), collecting and selling used cartons could earn an extra $60-70 yearly. Gathering 24 cartons from local establishments daily can yield several hundred dollars weekly.