10 Things Some People Throw Away Without a Second Thought—and Others Flip for Profit (11 Photos)

Every day, we come across items we write off as trash, tossing them out without a second thought because they seem utterly useless. Most of the time, though, we couldn't be more wrong. One person’s trash is another’s cash—and someone out there will gladly pay real money for what you’re about to throw away. Here are 12 prime examples of how savvy folks turn complete clutter into profit.





Empty Cosmetic Bottles and Jars



Empty cosmetic containers are surprisingly popular with crafters and content creators. They’re frequently used to package homemade beauty products or serve as props for photoshoots and videos. On online marketplaces, these containers sell both in bulk and as individual pieces.

Cardboard Boxes from Electronics and Appliances





Most people keep original packaging for TVs, microwaves, and washing machines until the warranty runs out. Once those one to three years pass, the bulky boxes usually head straight to the dumpster. In reality, plenty of people will gladly buy them off you. People moving houses desperately need sturdy boxes to pack their belongings. Keep in mind that prices depend on size, condition, and contents—boxes that still include the original styrofoam inserts and plastic wrap command top dollar.

Single-Serve Sugar Packets



A lot of us end up with a stash of single-serve sugar sticks brought home from coffee shops, hotels, or business trips. You could use them for your morning tea or toss them out—or you could list them online. Sucrologists (collectors who specialize in sugar packets featuring unique logos and branding) will gladly buy them off your hands.

Clothes Hangers



Hangers are an everyday essential, but sometimes you just have way too many cluttering your closet. Instead of throwing them away, post an ad online. There’s almost always a market for them, whether you’re selling sturdy wooden or metal hangers or just basic plastic ones.

Shredded Paper Filler



Shredded paper might seem utterly worthless, but rest assured, there's a buyer for it. E-commerce sellers who ship products regularly often buy it in bulk for packing material, while others purchase smaller batches to cushion fragile gifts.

Egg Cartons



It might sound strange, but finding buyers for empty egg cartons is remarkably easy. Local farmers selling fresh eggs hunt for them on classified sites, as do people breeding feeder insects for poultry or exotic pets. While you won't make a fortune, trading a stack for a little cash, a chocolate bar, or a container of coffee is a breeze.

Cassette Tapes



Many of us still have old audio cassettes from the '80s and '90s stashed away. They might seem obsolete, but tossing out items packed with memories isn't easy. Why not give them a second life? Vintage enthusiasts and music lovers who appreciate analog magnetic tape will happily buy them from you.

Empty Printer Cartridges



Used inkjet printer cartridges are considered hazardous waste and require proper disposal. However, you can pass that task along—and make money in the process. On classified websites, you can easily find buyers looking for spent printer cartridges. They refurbish them, refill them with ink, and sell them again.

Wine Corks



A lot of people save wine corks thinking they’ll eventually use them, only for the pile to sit around until it gets tossed in the trash. Instead of throwing them away, sell them to folks who actually need them. Natural corks are constantly sought after by DIYers and crafters for homemade projects.

Empty Liquor Bottles



If you've been hoarding empty whiskey or tequila bottles in a cabinet for no clear reason, it's time to turn that glass into cash. Empty liquor bottles are surprisingly hot items on eBay—collectors around the world will gladly pay $4 to $8 for a single bottle!

In fact, you can often find seemingly unremarkable old items around the house that are actually worth a small fortune.