A man who lives in an affluent Sydney suburb has been labeled “entitled” after complaining about people going through his bins for recyclable bottles and cans to make some extra money.
The NSW Environment and Protection Authority offers a Return and Earn program that gives 10 cents for every bottle and can handed in, in a bid to promote recycling and reduce litter.
People who may be struggling to make ends meet can often be seen rummaging through street bins in the hope of picking up items to deliver.
But a man from Crows Nest, on Sydney’s north shore, complained in a community Facebook group about a woman he described as a “bottle collector”.
“Please residents, do not encourage bottle collectors,” the man wrote.
“Their numbers are increasing and they are becoming a real nuisance.”
He then complained about how they rattle the bottle bags, “making noise at all hours of the day and night.”
“They also tear up garbage bags and leave a big mess,” he said.
The owner of a Crows Nest home on Sydney’s north shore complained on a community Facebook group about a woman he described as a “bottle scavenger”.
‘I try not to be aggressive with them; It would be helpful to politely ask them to move on.’
The man was quickly called out by other Crows Nest locals.
“What right should you have to name and shame people for charging for cans and bottles you don’t want,” one wrote.
“Oh man, won’t anyone think about the delicate ears?” commented another.
‘I don’t see any problem with this? These people are obviously struggling and the cans are still being recycled, so what does it matter who takes them?’ another wrote.
“I think a little empathy goes a long way,” said another.
“You have some underlying issues that you need to address.”
“If you can’t find peace in the world because some retirees take bottles out of the trash, it’s not even a big deal,” wrote another.
The man then claimed that not all of the “bottle collectors” were fighting.
“I understand what you’re saying, but these are not struggling bottle collectors. I followed one particular troublemaker to her car and she was driving a Mercedes Benz SUV,” he said.
