UPDATE: A Melbourne woman has turned trash into treasure, earning over $5,000 in just under two years by recycling discarded containers. Amy McDermott, a delivery driver, has transformed her frustration with roadside litter into a profitable side hustle that not only cleans up her community but also fills her pockets.
In the bustling streets of Melbourne, McDermott has utilized the Container Deposit Scheme to capitalize on her finds. While on the job, she often spots old beer cans, Coke bottles, and flavored milk cartons littering the roads. With a quick pull over, she collects these items, turning what was once a nuisance into a lucrative opportunity.
“I fully think it’s a bit of an addiction now,” McDermott told Yahoo News Australia, highlighting the excitement that comes with her newfound hobby. As she paddleboards around Frankston, she doesn’t hesitate to scoop up bottles floating in the water, demonstrating her commitment to both fun and environmental responsibility.
Since 2023, the state’s return and earn scheme has resulted in a staggering 2.3 billion drink containers being recycled, generating $2.3 million for residents. Each container returned earns 10 cents, which can be used for personal expenses or donated to charities and local sports clubs.
McDermott’s collection efforts extend beyond her own scavenging. She has a robust network of friends, family, and colleagues who contribute to her haul. “Because I deliver car parts to mechanics, I advertise what I do. If I see cans, I’ll ask, ‘Why are you doing that? Give them to me,’” she explained. Her brother even helps her out by providing a full bin of cans from his workplace at a tree lopping service.
With her earnings, McDermott indulges in exciting activities. For her 50th birthday, she spent $900 on hiring a mechanical bull, jumped out of a plane for $400, and traveled across the United States and Western Australia. She also contributes to staff parties and local charities, demonstrating that her side hustle benefits more than just her own pocket.
McDermott’s friends affectionately call her “Bin Chicken,” a nod to the scavenging ibis that roams Australian cities in search of scraps. But McDermott is proud of her nickname, as it symbolizes her dedication to cleaning up the environment while enjoying her life.
This story of recycling and entrepreneurship is not just inspiring; it’s a call to action for others. McDermott’s success illustrates that anyone can join the movement to help the environment and earn extra cash simultaneously.
As Victoria’s recycling program continues to thrive, residents are encouraged to participate. With the potential to make money while cleaning up their neighborhoods, now is the perfect time to start recycling.
What will you do with your extra cash? Join the ranks of recyclers like Amy McDermott and turn your trash into treasure today!
