Imagine saving for your dream home not by working overtime or cutting back on brunches, but by collecting bottles and cans... and helping the planet in the process.

Well, one Queenslander has shown that with a bit of grit and a good recycling scheme, even your "waste" can be pure gold. Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or someone just starting to dip their toes into sustainability, this story will lift your spirits—and might just have you looking at your 10c cans a little differently!

From Empty Bottles to First Home Buyers

Meet Central Coast local Damian Gordon, who turned a mountain of recyclables into a mountain of cash! By using his local New South Wales Return and Earn scheme, Damian saved about $46,000 over seven years, putting him on the path to his first home deposit. That’s right—what many Aussies chuck into the bin without a second thought, Damian saw as tiny stepping stones to his future.

For those who haven’t heard of it, Return and Earn, just like Containers for Change is an initiative that rewards 10 cents per eligible container recycled. It may sound like a small change, but as Damian's story proves, it’s not about how much you have—it's about what you do with it. 

The Power of Patience (and a Lot of Containers)

Saving $46,000 from recyclables is no small feat. Persistence and creativity paid off—literally. Damian estimates he collected approximately 450,000 containers but he didn’t just rely on his own consumption alone.He went the extra mile by volunteering at music festivals, picking up litter left behind by festival goers—everything from cans and camping gear to fairy lights and cowboy hats—all while holding down a permanent job during the week.

More Than Just Money: Why This Matters

Sure, not all of us are going to collect 450,000 bottles—but Damian’s story is a powerful reminder that small, consistent actions really do add up. Every container returned through programs like Return and Earn or Containers for Change is one less item in landfill, one less piece of plastic polluting our oceans, and one more chance to give valuable materials a second life.

Recycling might seem like a small thing, but when enough of us do it, we can make a big impact. So next time you finish a drink, think twice before tossing that container away. 

If you loved this week's story, you'll love this one here too,Vinnies Goes Digital: Treasure Hunting, Now Available 24/7!

With Love, 
Ellie x