In a world of unconventional side hustles, one Bristol mother has arguably found the most niche market of all: selling used toilet roll tubes online for a profit.
What most households consider worthless rubbish, this entrepreneurial mum has transformed into a surprising source of income, catering to a dedicated community of crafters, artists, and upcyclers who see the humble cardboard tube not as waste, but as raw material.
The Unlikely Marketplace
The trade is happening on popular online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where listings for 'used loo rolls' are not a joke but a genuine business. Sellers are bundling cleaned and collected tubes, with some lots fetching prices upwards of £10.
The demand stems from a thriving DIY and crafting scene. These cardboard cylinders are prized for a multitude of projects, from children's arts and crafts and homemade Christmas decorations to organisers for cables and knitting needles. For those deeply invested in sustainable living, it’s a way to source materials without new production, turning one person's trash into another's treasure.
From Bathroom to Bank Account
The process is simple. Sellers, often families, diligently collect the empty tubes after the paper has been used. They are then air-dried and stored until a sizable bundle is assembled. Listings often promote the tubes as 'clean', 'dry', and 'ready for your projects'.
While it may not make a seller a millionaire, it provides a quirky and eco-conscious way to earn a little extra cash from something that would otherwise be immediately recycled or binned. It highlights a shift towards a circular economy, even in the most unexpected of places.
A Reaction of Bewilderment and Support
The phenomenon has sparked a mix of reactions online. Many social media users express sheer bewilderment, with comments ranging from 'What is the world coming to?' to jokes about the state of the economy. Others, however, are fully supportive, praising the initiative for its environmental benefits and entrepreneurial spirit.
This bizarre trend proves that in the digital age, almost anything can become a commodity if it finds its target audience. It’s a testament to British ingenuity and the endless search for a clever side hustle, no matter how unusual it may seem.
