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An Aussie woman has shared the easy side hustle that’s made her hundreds of dollars in “free money” all while walking her dog. Many Aussies are looking for ways to pocket a bit of extra cash as the cost-of-living crisis squeezes budgets.
Heidi Lou has been sharing daily videos showing exactly how much she earns collecting cans and cashing them in for 10 cent refunds through Queensland’s Containers for Change scheme. The Brisbane model and graphic artist told Yahoo Finance she started collecting cans to help save up for a new couch.
“My partner and I wanted to get a new couch because we have a hand-me-down but can’t really justify spending the money on it so we thought we may as well just put this money aside for the couch because it’s basically free money anyway,” the 32-year-old said.
“We opened up a savings account specifically for it so we can see how much we are getting from it. I opened the account around Christmas last year and we’ve made nearly $300 since then.”
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Heidi said she had been feeling the pinch from the rising cost of living, with groceries, fuel and general bills being the biggest costs she was facing.
“We’re being really careful with our grocery shops and not eating out as much and looking for ways to save extra money or cut corners,” she told Yahoo Finance.
“This is definitely something that has helped us because we don’t want to spend money on new furniture but if it’s just free money then it feels OK to spend.”
Heidi said the most she was able to collect in one walk with her German Shepherd, Whiskey, was $4, or 40 cans.
She said she was able to find cans at nearby construction sites in her neighbourhood and at local parks.
More Aussies collecting cans for cash
Finder research found collecting recyclable cans and bottles was one of the most popular ways Aussies were earning extra cash, along with selling their pre-owned items.
Its survey found Aussies were making $46 per month on average by collecting and recycling cans for 10 cents each.
While it’s not the most lucrative side hustle – in fact, Finder found it was the least profitable of the bunch – it can be an easy way to earn a bit of extra pocket money for something you’re already doing.
Heidi’s videos have been flooded with comments from other Aussies who have started collecting cans too.
“I’ve had so many people comment saying that they’re starting to do it as well. One lady was saying that she’s doing it with her kids,” Heidi said.
“Another said her and her friends were inspired to do it and they went out walking and collected six full bags and they’re going to use that for their Bali holiday.”
Which states in Australia have a container deposit scheme?
Almost every state and territory in Australia has container return schemes with refunds of 10 cents for every eligible container.
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