How Amy turned her daily dog walk into $420 with Containers for Change
What if your empty bottles and cans could pay for your morning coffee, Netflix subscription, or even your kids’ pocket money?
For 25-year-old Sunshine Coast local, Amy Coulston, that’s exactly what’s happening – all while she takes her daily walks.
Amy is a TikTok creator known for sharing clever money-saving hacks. Through Containers for Change, she’s already earned more than $420 just by collecting and returning eligible drink containers.
On her popular TikTok series ‘Trashy Treats’, Amy shows how she turns those 10-cent refunds into little luxuries – from matcha sets to sweet snacks.
“It felt so silly to me to just throw money in the garbage, especially when I do so many other side hustles – it was a no brainer to start collecting containers,” Amy said.
Her container refunds have paid for small luxuries like a new matcha set for her kitchen – and her followers are loving it. Many have started collecting too, using their refund money for bills, streaming subscriptions, and even their kids’ pocket money.
Easy cash from everyday recycling
In Queensland, more than $100 million in refunds goes unclaimed every year because over a billion eligible drink containers still end up in landfill.
Still think 10 cents doesn’t add up? That’s $100 million literally going to waste every year.
Amy’s story proves just how simple it can be to make a difference – and earn a little extra along the way.
@amy.coul Trashy Treats - Collecting 10c cans for my fun budget🧃🥤♻️ @Containers for Change Qld ♻️ ♬ original sound - Amy│Aussie Side Hustles 📲
Amy’s top collection tips
She finds most of her containers while walking her dog, picking up bottles from parks, paths and even construction sites. Armed with a grabber tool and a keen eye, Amy turns her daily exercise into a money-making, planet-saving habit.
On how to start
“If you have a dog, you’re doing a daily walk anyway (hopefully!), so you may as well take a bag with you and pick up the cans and bottles you walk past.
“You’d be surprised how many you find when you start looking for them, and it doesn't hurt to clean up your neighbourhood at the same time”, she said.
On setting saving goals
“Pick one small bill, your Netflix subscription, or even something like a weekly sweet treat, and make it your goal to pay for it completely from collecting cans on your daily walks. Such a satisfying feeling knowing you’ve literally paid for it with trash.
“It [also] adds up so much quicker than you think, especially for those with big families. Try it out for a month and see how it goes!”
You can follow Amy’s journey on TikTok (@amy.coul) and Instagram (@amycoul.money).
Ready to turn your trash into treats?
Next time you finish a drink, remember: that’s 10 cents toward your next treat or adventure. Don’t let it go to waste – your fridge, car or recycling bin could be hiding your next pocket money windfall.
Sign up for a member number and start tracking your returns today!