What Are Things I Can Donate for Money?

Beyond traditional employment, individuals can earn income by exchanging personal assets, contributions, or time for compensation. This exploration details various methods for generating income, from donating biological materials and selling used goods to participating in research studies.

Donating Biological Materials

Donating biological materials offers a direct method to earn income while contributing to medical science or assisting others. Materials typically include blood plasma, sperm, eggs, breast milk, and hair. Eligibility for donating plasma generally requires individuals to be at least 18 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, pass a medical examination, and test negative for certain transmissible viruses.

Sperm donors typically fall between 18 and 45 years old, demonstrating good physical and mental health, and providing a detailed family medical history. Egg donation is more involved, usually requiring healthy women aged 19-31 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29, no major hereditary conditions, and normal reproductive health. Breast milk donation typically requires the lactating parent to be in good overall health, produce excess milk, and adhere to strict guidelines regarding medication use and lifestyle. Hair donation, while less common for direct compensation, often involves specific length and quality requirements for wig making or research.

Accredited blood banks and specialized plasma collection centers are available for plasma donation. Fertility clinics and cryobanks facilitate sperm and egg donations, with many requiring potential donors to live within a reasonable distance for frequent appointments. Milk banks, sometimes affiliated with hospitals or non-profit organizations, handle breast milk donations. Initial screening for these donations typically involves comprehensive health questionnaires, identification verification, and a review of basic medical history to ascertain preliminary eligibility.

The physical donation process varies significantly by material. Plasma donation involves a process called plasmapheresis, where blood is drawn, plasma is separated, and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor’s body. This process usually takes about an hour after initial screening and can be done up to twice within a seven-day period.

Sperm donation typically involves providing samples at a clinic. Egg donation is a more extensive process, including hormonal injections to stimulate egg production and a surgical retrieval procedure, which can take several weeks to complete. Breast milk is often collected at home and shipped to a milk bank.

Compensation for plasma donors can range from $30 to $70 per visit, with potential for $400 or more monthly, and some first-time donor bonuses reaching up to $1,100 in the first month. Sperm donors often earn $50-$120 per donation and potentially over $500 per month, or up to $4,000 over six months. Compensation for egg donors averages around $10,000 per cycle, though it can range from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on factors like location, donor characteristics, and prior successful donations. Some breast milk programs offer around $1.20 per ounce. Income received from these donations is generally considered taxable by the IRS and should be reported on tax returns, typically as “Other income” on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), especially if the total compensation exceeds $600 and a Form 1099-MISC is issued.

Selling Used Goods and Recyclables

Selling used personal items and recyclable materials offers another practical way to generate income. A wide array of items can be sold, including clothing, electronics, furniture, books, collectibles, scrap metal, and even old vehicles. Assessing the value and condition of these items is crucial; factors such as brand, age, wear and tear, functionality, and current market demand significantly influence potential earnings. For instance, vintage clothing from popular brands might fetch higher prices than fast-fashion items, and fully functional electronics are more valuable than those needing repairs.

Clothing and accessories can be sold through consignment shops or online marketplaces like Poshmark, ThredUp, and Vinted. General used goods, including furniture and books, often find buyers on platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace, or through local classifieds like Craigslist. Specialized recyclers and scrap metal yards purchase materials like copper, aluminum, and steel by weight, while car salvage companies buy old vehicles for parts or scrap. Before listing or selling, preparation is key; this includes cleaning items, taking clear photographs, writing accurate descriptions, and gathering any necessary documentation such as vehicle titles or original receipts.

The procedural steps for selling typically involve creating compelling listings, communicating with potential buyers, and facilitating the transaction. Online marketplaces require uploading photos and detailed descriptions, often with options for setting prices or conducting auctions. Consignment shops involve physically bringing items for evaluation and display.

For larger items or recyclables, arranging pickup or delivery is often necessary. During the transaction phase, sellers might engage in negotiation, accept payment through various methods (e.g., online payment systems, cash), and arrange for shipping or local pickup. Post-sale actions include confirming payment, providing tracking information if shipped, and ensuring the buyer receives the item as described.

Most online platforms charge fees, such as listing fees, transaction fees (a percentage of the sale price, often 8-20%), or payment processing fees (typically 2-5%), which reduce the net income. Facebook Marketplace often has no fees for listings or transactions, making it an attractive option for local sales.

Participating in Research Studies

Individuals can also receive compensation by participating in various research studies, which broadly include clinical trials for new medications, psychological studies, market research, and usability studies. These studies contribute to scientific knowledge and product development, offering a structured way to earn money for one’s time and contribution. Participants often receive compensation for their time, effort, and any inconvenience incurred.

Opportunities for legitimate research studies can be found through several reputable sources. University research departments frequently recruit participants for psychological or behavioral studies. Clinical trial registries, such as ClinicalTrials.gov, list ongoing clinical trials for new treatments. Dedicated research centers and reputable online platforms also serve as recruitment hubs. Initial screening for these studies typically involves providing detailed medical history, demographic data, and answering specific lifestyle questions to determine preliminary eligibility, ensuring the study aligns with the participant’s characteristics and health status.

Upon preliminary screening, the process moves to a more detailed evaluation. This often includes signing informed consent forms, which clearly outline the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Participants may undergo detailed medical examinations or interviews with study coordinators. The actual participation steps vary widely by study type, ranging from attending scheduled appointments and following specific protocols, such as taking a new medication, to completing questionnaires or providing biological samples. Compensation in research studies is typically structured based on factors like the study’s duration, the number of visits required, the invasiveness of procedures, and the overall commitment expected from the participant. Payment might be provided per visit, as a lump sum upon completion, or as reimbursement for expenses like travel. Compensation amounts can vary significantly, from tens of dollars for a short survey to thousands for a multi-stage clinical trial. Payments are usually disbursed via direct deposit, check, or gift card, often at specific milestones or after the study’s conclusion.